Cibrarjp  of  Che  Cheological  ^eminar^ 

PRINCETON  .  NEW  JERSEY 

FROM  THE  LIBRARY  OF 
ROBERT  ELLIOTT  SPEER 

•3  ^^8* 

BV  4810  . S76  1923  ] 

Stone,  John  Timothy,  1868- 
1954. 

To  start  the  day 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2019  with  funding  from 
Princeton  Theological  Seminary  Library 


https://archive.org/details/tostartdaythoughOOston 


TO  START  THE  DAT 


By 

John  Timothy  Stone,  D.D. 


To  Start  the  Day  : 

A  Thought,  A  Verse,  a  Song.  $1.50 

A  simple  yet  extremely  helpful  volume 
of  meditations  and  devotions  with  which  to 
start  the  day,  and  start  it  in  the  right  way. 
A  key-thought  for  every  morning  in  the  year, 
which  he  supplements  with  a  brief  passage 
from  God’s  Word,  and  a  verse  from  a  more 
or  less  familiar  hymn. 


Recruiting  for  Christ 

Hand-to-Hand  Methods  with  Men. 

New  Edition  .  0  .  .  .  .  $1.50 

An  up-to-date  edition  of  this  helpful  book 
on  Evangelistic  work  of  which  The  Presby¬ 
terian  Adva?ice  said  :  “  Suggestions,  drawn 
largely  from  personal  experience,  as  to  the 
men  to  reach,  preparation  for  the  work, 
methods  of  approach,  methods  of  work,  etc.” 


Copyright,  1 923,  by 

FLEMING  H.  REVELL  COMPANY 


New  York:  158  Fifth  Avenue 
Chicago :  17  North  Wabash  Ave. 
London:  21  Paternoster  Square 
Edinburgh :  75  Princes  Street 


Preface 


LTHOUGH  we  recognize  the  place  and 


value  of  beginning  the  day  with  God, 


we  go  to  our  tasks  without  the  direct 


inspiration  of  God’s  Word.  The  over-rush  and 
restlessness  of  our  day  have  frequently  taken 
from  us  in  actual  habit  the  quiet  moments  of 
poise  and  restraint  afforded  by  the  “  Morning 
Watch  ”  and  family  worship.  This  little  col¬ 
lection  of  moment  thoughts  is  prepared  with  no 
desire  to  substitute  for  either  of  these,  but  to 
enable  us,  from  the  very  beginning  of  our  wake¬ 
ful  moments,  to  focus  life’s  instruments  of  heart 
and  mind  aright,  and  thus  see  clearly  as  we 
view  first  things. 

“  When  I  awake  I  am  still  with  Thee.” 

“  My  voice  shalt  Thou  hear  in  the  morning, 
O  Lord,  in  the  morning  will  I  direct  my  prayer 
unto  Thee,  and  will  look  up.” 

In  the  preparation  of  this  little  volume  sim¬ 
plicity  and  singleness  of  thought  have  been  con¬ 
sidered  and  familiar  verses  of  old  hymns  in  the 
main. 

The  verse  of  a  hymn  embodying  a  thought, 
and  a  verse  of  Scripture  gives  the  heart  uncon¬ 
sciously  its  direction.  It  is  better  to  leave  one’s 


7 


8 


PREFACE 


room  humming  a  familiar  strain  centering  in 
words  filled  with.  Christian  sentiment,  than  to 
start  the  day  with  a  mental  void,  or  an  irritable 
haste. 

For  the  verses  of  the  hymns  used  I  am  much 
indebted  to  The  Presbyterian  Hymnal,  The 
English  Hymnal  and  “  Gospel  Hymns,”  to¬ 
gether  with  other  familiar  collections. 


Fourth  Presbyterian  Church , 
Chicago ,  III. 


J.  T.  S. 


Face  the  work  of  every  day  with  the  in¬ 
fluence  of  a  few,  thoughtful,  quiet  moments  with 
your  own  heart  and  God.  Do  not  meet  other 
people,  even  those  of  your  own  home,  until  you 
have  first  met  the  great  Guest  and  Honoured 
Companion  of  your  life — Jesus  Christ.  Meet 
Him  alone.  Meet  Him  regularly.  Meet  Him 
with  His  open  book  of  counsel  before  you ;  and 
face  the  regular  and  irregular  duties  of  each 
day  with  the  influence  of  His  personality,  defi¬ 
nitely  controlling  your  every  act. 


J.  T.  S. 


JANUARY 


January  1. 

Walking  and  thinking  with  God  inspire  devo¬ 
tion  and  establish  character . 

Blessed  is  the  man  that  walketh  not  in  the 
counsel  of  the  ungodly,  nor  standeth  in  the  way 
of  sinners,  nor  sitteth  in  the  seat  of  the  scornful. 
But  his  delight  is  in  the  law  of  the  Lord ;  and  in 
his  law  doth  he  meditate  day  and  night. 

— Psalm  1 : 1,  2. 

YIELD  NOT  TO  TEMPTATION 
“Shun  evil  companions,  bad  language  disdain, 
God’s  name  hold  in  reverence,  nor  take  it  in 
vain; 

Be  thoughtful  and  earnest,  kind-hearted  and 
true, 

Look  ever  to  J esus,  He  ’ll  carry  you  through.  ’  ’ 


January  2. 

The  upward  look  means  God  and  goodness ,  and 
it  leads  to  contentment  and  blessing. 

Acquaint  now  thyself  with  him,  and  he  at 
peace :  thereby  good  shall  come  unto  thee.  .  .  . 
For  then  shalt  thou  have  thy  delight  in  the 
Almighty,  and  shalt  lift  up  thy  face  unto  God. 

—Job  22 : 21,  26. 


9 


10 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


UPWARD  WHERE  THE  STARS  ARE  BURNING 
“  Upward  where  the  stars  are  burning, 
Silent,  silent  in  their  turning 
Round  the  never  changing  pole ; 

Upward  where  the  sky  is  brightest, 
Upward  where  the  blue  is  lightest, 

Lift  I  now  my  longing  soul.  ’  ’ 


January  3* 

Commitment  establishes  confidence  and  guar¬ 
antees  divine  consummation. 

Commit  thy  way  unto  the  Lord;  trust  also 
in  him ;  and  he  shall  bring  it  to  pass. 

— Psalm  37 : 5. 

LEAD  KINDLY  LIGHT 

“So  long  Thy  power  hast  blest  me,  sure  it  still 
Will  lead  me  on 

O  ’er  moor  and  fen,  o  ’er  crag  and  torrent,  till 
The  night  is  gone ; 

And  with  the  morn  those  angels  faces  smile, 
Which  I  have  loved  long  since,  and  lost  awhile. ’ 9 


January  4. 

Poise ,  peace ,  stability  and  confidence. 

Thou  wilt  keep  him  in  perfect  peace,  whose 
mind  is  stayed  on  thee:  because  he  trusteth  in 
thee. — Isaiah  26 : 3. 

IT  IS  WELL  WITH  MY  SOUL 
6 1  When  peace  like  a  river  attendeth  my  way, 

When  sorrows  like  sea-billows  roll ; 

Whatever  my  lot,  Thou  hast  taught  me  to  say, 

6  It  is  well,  it  is  well  with  my  soul. 9  9  9 


TO  STABT  THB  DAY 


11 


January  5. 

A  hopeful  life  is  unlimited  in  influence , 

'Now  the  God  of  hope  fill  yon  with  all  joy  and 
peace  in  believing,  that  ye  may  abound  in  hope, 
through  the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

— Bomans  15 : 13. 

MY  HOPE  IS  BUILT  ON  NOTHING  LESS 
‘  ‘  My  hope  is  built  on  nothing  less 
Than  Jesus’  blood  and  righteousness; 

I  dare  not  trust  the  sweetest  frame, 

But  wholly  lean  on  Jesus’  Name. 

On  Christ,  the  solid  Bock,  I  stand ; 

All  other  ground  is  sinking  sand.  ’  ’ 

January  6. 

The  true  standard  of  a  Christian  life. 

But  the  fruit  of  the  Spirit  is  love,  joy,  peace, 
longsuffering,  gentleness,  goodness,  faith,  meek¬ 
ness,  temperance :  against  such  there  is  no  law. 

— Galatians  5 : 22,  23. 

SPIRIT  OF  GOD  DESCEND  UPON  MY  HEART 
1  ‘  Spirit  of  God !  descend  upon  my  heart ; 

Wean  it  from  earth,  through  all  its  pulses  move; 
Stoop  to  my  weakness,  mighty  as  Thou  art, 

And  make  me  love  Thee  as  I  ought  to  love.” 

■January  7. 

A  Saviour  Who  is  a  sympathizer. 

For  we  have  not  an  high  priest  which  cannot 
be  touched  with  the  feeling  of  our  infirmities; 
but  was  in  all  points  tempted  like  as  we  are, 
yet  without  sin. — Hebrews  4 : 15. 


12 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


I  AM  PRAYING  FOR  YOU 
“I  have  a  Saviour,  He’s  pleading  in  glory, 

A  dear,  loving  Saviour,  tho  ’  earth-friends  he  few ; 
And  now  He  is  watching  in  tenderness  o  ’er  me, 
And  oh,  that  my  Saviour  were  your  Saviour,  too.” 


January  8* 

The  grace  to  sacrifice  and  share . 

For  ye  know  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  that,  though  he  was  rich,  yet  for  your 
sakes  he  became  poor,  that  ye  through  his 
poverty  might  be  rich. — 2  Corinthians  8 :  9. 

MASTER,  NO  OFFERING 
“  Master,  no  offering  costly  and  sweet, 

May  we,  like  Magdalene,  lay  at  Thy  feet ; 
Yet  may  love’s  incense  rise, 

Sweeter  than  sacrifice, 

Dear  Lord  to  Thee,  Dear  Lord,  to  Thee.” 


$anuar£  9, 

God  is  visualized  in  J esus  Christ. 

And  the  Word  was  made  flesh,  and  dwelt 
among  us,  (and  we  beheld  his  glory,  the  glory 
as  of  the  only  begotten  of  the  Father,)  full  of 
grace  and  truth. — J ohn  1 : 14. 

WHEN  MORNING  GILDS  THE  SKIES, 
i  ‘  When  morning  gilds  the  skies, 

My  heart  awaking  cries 

May  Jesus  Christ  be  praised: 

Alike  at  work  and  prayer 
To  Jesus  I  repair ; 

May  Jesus  Christ  be  praised.” 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


13 


January  10. 

Christ  has  power  to  control  conditions  and 
banish  fear. 

And  they  came  to  him,  and  awoke  him,  say¬ 
ing,  Master,  Master,  we  perish.  Then  he  arose, 
and  rebuked  the  wind  and  the  raging  of  the 
water :  and  they  ceased,  and  there  was  a  calm. 

— Luke  8 : 24. 

MASTER ,  THE  TEMPEST  IS  RAGING 
“Master,  the  tempest  is  raging, 

The  billows  are  tossing  high ; 

The  sky  is  o’ershadowed  with  blackness, 

No  shelter  or  help  is  nigh : 

‘  Carest  Thou  not  that  we  perish  ?  ’ 

How  canst  Thou  lie  asleep, 

When  each  moment  so  madly  is  threat  ’ning 
A  grave  in  the  angry  deep  ?  ’  ’ 

January  11. 

Strength,  courage ,  obedience ,  faithfulness , 
prosperity . 

Only  be  thou  strong  and  very  courageous, 
that  thou  mayest  observe  to  do  according  to  all 
the  law,  which  Moses  my  servant  commanded 
thee :  turn  not  from  it  to  the  right  hand  or  to 
the  left,  that  thou  mayest  prosper  whitherso¬ 
ever  thou  goest. — Joshua  1 :  7. 

HO IV  FIRM  A  FOUNDATION 
“Fear  not,  I  am  with  thee,  oh,  be  not  dismayed, 

For,  I  am  thy  God,  and  will  still  give  thee  aid ; 

I  ’ll  strengthen  thee,  help  thee,  and  cause  thee  to 
stand, 

Upheld  by  my  gracious,  omipotent  hand.” 


14 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


January  12. 

God  is  the  creator  of  order,  life  and  light . 

In  the  beginning  God  created  the  heaven  and 
the  earth.  And  the  earth  was  without  form, 
and  void;  and  darkness  was  upon  the  face  of 
the  deep.  And  the  Spirit  of  God  moved  upon 
the  face  of  the  waters.  And  God  said,  Let  there 
be  light:  and  there  was  light. 

— Genesis  1 : 1-3. 

GOD,  THAT  M ADUST  BARTH  AND  HEAVEN 
1  ‘  God,  that  madest  earth  and  heaven, 
Darkness  and  light ; 

Who  the  day  for  toil  hast  given, 

For  rest  the  night: 

May  Thine  angel-guards  defend  us, 

Slumber  sweet  Thy  mercy  send  us, 

Holy  dreams  and  hopes  attend  us, 

This  livelong  night.’ ’ 


January  13* 

Here  is  investment  and  treasure  which  remain. 

Lay  not  up  for  yourselves  treasures  upon 
earth.  .  .  .  But  lay  up  for  yourselves 

treasures  in  heaven,  where  neither  moth  nor 
rust  doth  corrupt,  and  wiiere  thieves  do  not 
break  through  nor  steal :  For  where  your 
treasure  is  there  will  your  heart  be  also. 

— Matthew  6 : 19,  20,  21. 

SWEET  BY-AND-BY 
“There’s  a  land  that  is  fairer  than  day, 

And  by  faith  we  can  see  it  afar ; 

For  the  Father  waits  over  the  way, 

To  prepare  us  a  dwelling  place  there.” 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


15 


January  14* 

The  way,  the  truth  and  the  life  mean  direction, 
guidance  and  fellowship . 

J esus  saith  unto  him,  I  am  the  way,  the  truth, 
and  the  life:  no  man  cometh  unto  the  Father, 
but  by  me. — John  14 : 6. 

SAFE  IN  THE  ARMS  OF  JESUS 
“ Jesus,  my  heart’s  dear  Refuge, 

Jesus  has  died  for  me ; 

Firm  on  the  Rock  of  Ages 
Ever  my  trust  shall  be. 

Here  let  me  wait  with  patience, 

Wait  till  the  night  is  o’er, 

Wait  till  I  see  the  morning 
Break  on  the  golden  shore.” 


January  15, 

Harmony  with  God  means  harmony  with  men . 

When  a  man’s  ways  please  the  Lord,  he 
maketh  even  his  enemies  to  be  at  peace  with 
him. — Proverbs  16 :  7. 

HOW  FIRM  A  FOUNDATION 
“The  soul  that  on  Jesus  hath  leaned  for  repose, 

I  will  not — I  will  not  desert  to  his  foes ; 

That  soul — though  all  hell  should  endeavour  to 
shake, 

I’ll  never — no,  never — no,  never  forsake.” 


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TO  START  THE  DAY 


January  16 ♦ 

Divine  help  and  divine  effort  are  sure  and  con¬ 
stant. 

Likewise  the  Spirit  also  helpeth  our  infirmi¬ 
ties  :  for  we  know  not  what  we  should  pray  for 
as  we  ought :  hut  the  Spirit  itself  maketh  inter¬ 
cession  for  us  with  groanings  which  cannot  be 
uttered. — Romans  8 : 26. 

I’VE  FOUND  A  FRIEND 
*  *  I  Ve  found  a  Friend ;  O  such  a  Friend ! 

He  loved  me  ere  I  knew  Him ; 

He  drew  me  with  the  cords  of  love, 

And  thus  He  bound  me  to  Him ; 

And  round  my  heart  still  closely  twine 
Those  ties  which  naught  can  sever, 

For  I  am  His,  and  He  is  mine, 

For  ever  and  for  ever.’ ’ 


January  17* 

A  life  received,  forgiven,  and  purified. 

Come  now,  and  let  us  reason  together,  saith 
the  Lord :  though  your  sins  be  as  scarlet,  they 
shall  be  as  white  as  snow;  though  they  be  red 
like  crimson,  they  shall  be  as  wool. 

— Isaiah  1 : 18. 

WHITER  THAN  SNOW 
“Lord  Jesus,  I  long  to  be  perfectly  whole; 

I  want  Thee  forever  to  live  in  my  soul, 

Break  down  every  idol,  cast  out  every  foe ; 

Now  wash  me  and  I  shall  be  whiter  than  snow. 

i  1  Whiter  than  snow,  yes,  whiter  than  snow ; 

Now  wash  me,  and  I  shall  be  whiter  than  snow.” 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


17 


January  18* 

The  most  wonderful  verse  in  the  Bible. 

For  God  so  loved  the  world,  that  he  gave  his 
only  begotten  Son,  that  whosoever  believeth  in. 
him  should  not  perish,  but  have  everlasting  life* 

— John  3 : 16. 

\ 

WHEN  I  SURVEY  THE  WONDROUS  CROSS 
i  ‘  When  I  survey  the  wondrous  cross 
On  which  the  Prince  of  glory  died, 

My  richest  gain  I  count  but  loss, 

And  pour  contempt  on  all  my  pride.  ’  ’ 

(Matthew  Arnold  declared  this  the  greatest  hymi* 
of  the  English  tongue.) 


January  19* 

Mind  and  will  controlled  for  God  assure  bless1 % 
ing. 

This  book  of  the  law  shall  not  depart  out  of 
thy  mouth ;  but  thou  shalt  meditate  therein  day 
and  night,  that  thou  mayest  observe  to  do  ac¬ 
cording  to  all  that  is  written  therein :  for  then 
thou  shalt  make  thy  way  prosperous,  and  then 
thou  shalt  have  good  success. — Joshua  1 :  8. 

COME,  THOU  FOUNT  OF  EVERY  BLESSING 
1 1  Come,  Thou  Fount  of  every  blessing, 

Tune  my  heart  to  sing  Thy  grace ; 

Streams  of  mercy,  never  ceasing, 

Call  for  songs  of  loudest  praise.’ ’ 


I 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


18 


5anuat£  20* 

Consistent  life  honours  God  and  man. 

Let  your  light  so  shine  before  men,  that  they 
may  see  your  good  works,  and  glorify  your  Fa¬ 
ther  which  is  in  heaven. — Matthew  5 : 16. 

LIGHT  OF  LIGHT ,  ENLIGHTEN  ME 
“ Light  of  light,  enlighten  me! 

Now  anew  the  day  is  dawning ; 

Sun  of  grace,  the  shadows  flee ; 

Brighten  Thou  my  Sabbath  morning! 
With  Thy  joyous  sunshine  blest, 

Happy  is  my  day  of  rest.” 


January  2U 

Poise  and  peace  whatever  happens. 

Great  peace  have  they  which  love  thy  law: 
and  nothing  shall  offend  them. 

— Psalm  119 : 165. 

SWEET  PEACE ,  THE  GIFT  OF  GOD’S  LOVE 
‘  ‘  There  comes  to  my  heart  one  sweet  strain, 

A  glad  and  a  joyous  refrain; 

I  sing  it  again  and  again, 

Sweet  peace,  the  gift  of  God’s  love.” 


January  22* 

* 

An  inheritance  now  and  forever. 

And  if  children,  then  heirs ;  heirs  of  God,  and 
joint-heirs  with  Christ;  if  so  be  that  we  suffer 
with  him,  that  we  may  be  also  glorified  to¬ 
gether. — Romans  8 : 17. 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


19 


THE  CHILD  OF  A  KING 
“My  Father  is  rich  in  houses  and  lands, 

He  holdeth  the  wealth  of  the  world  in  His  hands ! 
Of  rubies  and  diamonds,  of  silver  and  gold, 

His  coffers  are  full, — He  has  riches  untold. ’  ’ 


January  23 ♦ 

The  evidence  of  an  indwelling  Christ . 

But  I  say  unto  you,  Love  your  enemies,  bless 
them  that  curse  you,  do  good  to  them  that  hate 
you,  and  pray  for  them  which  despitefully  use 
you,  and  persecute  you. — Matthew  5 : 44. 

WHAT  A  FRIEND  WE  HAVE  IN  JESUS 
i  1  Are  we  weak  and  heavy  laden, 

Cumbered  with  a  load  of  care  ? 

Precious  Saviour,  still  our  Refuge, — 

Take  it  to  the  Lord  in  prayer ! 

Do  thy  friends  despise,  forsake  thee? 

Take  it  to  the  Lord  in  prayer ! 

In  His  arms  He’ll  take  and  shield  thee, 

Thou  wilt  find  a  solace  there.” 


January  24* 

Sincerity  and  forgiveness  go  together . 

He  that  covereth  his  sins  shall  not  prosper: 
but  whoso  confesseth  and  forsaketh  them  shall 
have  mercy. — Proverbs  28 : 13. 

JUST  AS  I  AM 

‘  ‘  Just  as  I  am,  and  waiting  not 
To  rid  my  soul  of  one  dark  blot, 

To  Thee,  whose  blood  can  cleanse  each  spot, 

O  Lamb  of  God,  I  come.” 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


20. 

■  & 


January  25. 

A  soul  at  peace  with  God . 

For  ye  shall  go  out  with  joy,  and  be  led  forth 
with  peace:  the  mountains  and  the  hills  shall 
break  forth  before  you  into  singing,  and  all  the 
trees  of  the  field  shall  clap  their  hands. 

— Isaiah  55 : 12. 

JOY  TO  THE  WORLD 
“  Joy  to  the  world!  the  Lord  is  come : 

Let  earth  receive  her  King ; 

Let  every  heart  prepare  Him  room, 

And  heaven  and  nature  sing.” 


January  26 ♦ 

The  Friend  Who  never  changes . 

Jesus  Christ  the  same  yesterday,  and  to-day, 
and  forever. — Hebrews  13 : 8. 

WHAT  A  FRIEND  WE  HAVE  IN  JESUS, 
“What  a  Friend  we  have  in  Jesus, 

All  our  sins  and  griefs  to  bear ! 

What  a  privilege  to  carry 
Everything  to  God  in  prayer ! 

O  what  peace  we  often  forfeit, 

O  what  needless  pain  we  bear, 

All  because  we  do  not  carry 
Everything  to  God  in  prayer.’* 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


21 


January  27 ♦ 

The  place  where  Christ  may  ever  be  found . 

Search  the  scriptures;  for  in  them  ye  think 
ye  have  eternal  life:  and  they  are  they  which 
testify  of  me. — John  5 : 39. 

WONDERFUL  WORDS  OF  LIFE 
4  ‘  Sing  them  over  again  to  me, 

Wonderful  words  of  Life ; 

Let  me  more  of  their  beauty  see, 
Wonderful  words  of  Life. 

Words  of  life  and  beauty, 

Teach  me  faith  and  duty : 

Beautiful  words,  wonderful  words, 
Wonderful  words  of  Life.” 


Samian?  28* 

An  unfailing  and  universal  contentment. 

Now  the  Lord  of  peace  himself  give  you  peace 
always  by  all  means.  The  Lord  be  with  you 
all. — 2  Thessalonians  3 : 16. 

DEAR  LORD  AND  FATHER  OF  MANKIND 
‘  ‘  Breathe  through  the  heats  of  our  desire 
Thy  coolness  and  Thy  balm ; 

Let  sense  be  dumb,  let  flesh  retire ; 

Speak  through  the  earthquake,  wind,  and  fire, 

O  still,  small  voice  of  calm.  ’  ’ 


22 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


January  29 ♦ 

The  universal  burden-hearer  of  human  life. 

All  we  like  sheep  have  gone  astray;  we  have 
turned  every  one  to  his  own  way ;  and  the  Lord 
hath  laid  on  him  the  iniquity  of  us  all. 

— Isaiah  53 :  6. 

I  WAS  A  WANDERING  SHEEP 
“  I  was  a  wandering  sheep, 

I  would  not  be  controlled ; 

But  now  I  love  the  Shepherd ’s  voice, 

I  love,  I  love  the  fold. 

I  was  a  wayward  child, 

I  once  preferred  to  roam ; 

But  now  I  love  my  Father ’s  voice, 

I  love,  I  love  His  home.  ’ 7 


January  30* 

A  sure  method  to  have  happiness. 

Delight  thyself  also  in  the  Lord ;  and  he  shall 
give  thee  the  desires  of  thine  heart. 

— Psalm  37 : 4. 


O  HAPPY  DAY 

1  '  0  happy  day,  that  fixed  my  choice 
On  Thee,  my  Saviour,  and  my  God ! 
Well  may  this  glowing  heart  rejoice, 
And  tell  its  raptures  all  abroad. 

4 'Happy  day,  happy  day, 

When  Jesus  washed  my  sins  away! 

He  taught  me  how  to  watch  and  pray, 
And  live  rejoicing  every  day; 

Happy  day,  happy  day, 

When  Jesus  washed  my  sins  away!” 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


23 


January  3L 

A  soul  always  calm  and  peaceful. 

Peace  I  leave  with  you,  my  peace  I  give  unto 
you:  not  as  tlie  world  giveth,  give  I  unto  you. 
Let  not  your  heart  be  troubled,  neither  let  it  be 
afraid. — John  14 : 27. 

WHEN  WINDS  ARE  RAGING 
“Far,  far  away,  the  roar  of  passion  dieth, 

And  loving  thoughts  rise  kind  and  peacefully, 
And  no  rude  storm,  how  fierce  soe’er  it  flieth, 
Disturbs  the  soul  that  dwells,  0  Lord,  in  Thee.” 


FEBRUARY 


JFebruarp  1 ♦ 

A  Christian  must  always  he  happy. 

These  things  have  I  spoken  nnto  you,  that  my 
joy  might  remain  in  you,  and  that  your  joy 
might  be  full. — John  15 : 11. 

REJOICE  AND  BE  GLAD 
“Rejoice  and  be  glad !  The  Redeemer  has  come ! 

Go  look  on  His  cradle.  His  cross  and  His  tomb. 
Sound  His  praises,  tell  the  story  of  Him  who 
was  slain ; 

Sound  His  praises,  tell  with  gladness, 

He  liveth  again.’ ’ 


jfebruavp  2* 

A  believer’s  confident  faith  finds  expression  in  a 
radiant  life. 

Whom  having  not  seen,  ye  love;  in  whom 
though  now  ye  see  him  not,  yet  believing,  ye 
rejoice  with  joy  unspeakable  and  full  of  glory. 

— 1  Peter  1 :  8. 

O  THAT  WILL  BE  GLORY 
“When  all  my  labours  and  trials  are  o’er, 

And  I  am  safe  on  that  beautiful  shore, 

Just  to  be  near  the  dear  Lord  I  adore 
Will  thro’  the  ages  be  glory  for  me.” 

24 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


25 


jfebruatg  3. 

Prayer  must  be  accompanied  by  watchful  per - 
sistence. 

Praying  always  with  all  prayer  and  suppli¬ 
cation  in  the  Spirit,  and  watching  thereunto 
with  all  perseverance  and  supplication  for  all 
saints. — Ephesians  6 : 18. 

SWEET  HOUR  OF  PRAYER 
‘  ‘  Sweet  hour  of  prayer !  sweet  hour  of  prayer ! 
Thy  wings  shall  my  petition  bear 
To  Him  whose  truth  and  faithfulness 
Engage  the  waiting  soul  to  bless; 

And  since  He  bids  me  seek  His  face, 

Believe  His  word  and  trust  His  grace, 

I’ll  cast  on  Him  my  every  care, 

And  wait  for  thee,  sweet  hour  of  prayer. 9  9 


jfebruatp  4. 

Conversion,  wisdom ,  joy  and  enlightenment  go 
together . 

The  law  of  the  Lord  is  perfect,  converting  the 
soul :  the  testimony  of  the  Lord  is  sure,  making 
wise  the  simple.  The  statutes  of  the  Lord  are 
right,  rejoicing  the  heart:  the  commandment 
of  the  Lord  is  pure,  enlightening  the  eyes. 

— Psalm  19 :  7,  8. 


26 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


O  WORD  OF  GOD  INCARNATE 
“ 0  Word  of  God  Incarnate, 

O  Wisdom  from  on  high, 

O  Truth  unchanged,  unchanging, 
O  Light  of  our  dark  sky ; 

We  praise  Thee  for  the  radiance 
That  from  the  hallowed  page, 

A  lantern  to  our  footsteps, 

Shines  on  from  age  to  age.” 


JFebruar$  5, 

Beware  of  the  subtlety  of  worldly  wisdom . 

Beware  lest  any  man  spoil  you  through,  phi¬ 
losophy  and  vain  deceit,  after  the  tradition  of 
men,  after  the  rudiments  of  the  world,  and  not 
after  Christ. — Colossians  2 :  8. 

LEAD,  KINDLY  LIGHT 
1  ‘  I  was  not  ever  thus,  nor  prayed  that  Thou 

Shouldst  lead  me  on ; 

$  7 

I  loved  to  choose  and  see  my  path ;  but  now 
Lead  Thou  me  on. 

I  loved  the  garish  day,  and,  spite  of  fears, 

Pride  ruled  my  will.  Remember  not  past  years.” 


3Februat£  6* 

Eternal  life  is  a  present  possession. 

Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you,  he  that  heareth 
my  word,  and  believeth  on  him  that  sent  me, 
hath  everlasting  life,  and  shall  not  come  into 
condemnation;  but  is  passed  from  death  unto 
life. — John  5 : 24. 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


27 


THE  LORD’S  MY  SHEPHERD 
1 6  Goodness  and  mercy,  all  my  life 
Shall  surely  follow  me ; 

And  in  God *s  house  for  evermore 
My  dwelling-place  shall  be.” 

ffebruan?  7. 

Stability  of  character  is  built  up  by  faithful 
study  of  God’s  Word. 

And  now,  brethren,  I  commend  you  to  God, 
and  to  the  word  of  his  grace,  which  is  able  to 
build  you  up,  and  to  give  you  an  inheritance 
among  all  them  which  are  sanctified. 

— Acts  20 :  32. 

BREAK  THOU  THE  BREAD  OF  LIFE 
“  Break  Thou  the  bread  of  life, 

Dear  Lord,  to  me, 

As  Thou  didst  break  the  loaves 
Beside  the  sea ; 

Beyond  the  sacred  page 
I  seek  Thee,  Lord ; 

My  spirit  pants  for  Thee, 

0  living  Word!” 

ffebruarp  8. 

Confidence  in  God  must  be  heartfelt  and  un¬ 
selfish. 

Trust  in  the  Lord  with  all  thine  heart;  and 
lean  not  unto  thine  own  understanding. 

— Proverbs  3 : 5. 

/  AM  TRUSTING  THEE ,  LORD  JESUS 
‘  ‘  I  am  trusting  Thee,  Lord  J esus, 

Trusting  only  Thee ! 

Trusting  Thee  for  full  salvation, 

Great  and  free.  ’  ’ 


28 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


jfebruary  9* 

Forgetfulness  of  God’s  commands  is  a  common 
and  constant  sin. 

Beware  that  thou  forget  not  the  Lord  thy 
God,  in  not  keeping  his  commandments,  and  his 
judgments,  and  his  statutes,  which  I  command 
thee  this  day. — Deuteronomy  8 : 11. 

MY  SOUL,  BE  ON  THY  GUARD 
‘  1  My  soul,  be  on  thy  guard ; 

Ten  thousand  foes  arise; 

And  hosts  of  sins  are  pressing  hard 
To  draw  thee  from  the  skies.’ ’ 


ffebruan?  10* 

Prayer  for  missionaries  and  ministers  is  a  di¬ 
vine  command. 

Pray  ye  therefore  the  Lord  of  the  harvest, 
that  he  will  send  forth  labourers  into  his  har¬ 
vest, — Matthew  9:38. 

O  ZION,  HASTE 

“Give  of  thy  sons  to  bear  the  message  glorious ; 

Give  of  thy  wealth  to  speed  them  on  their  way ; 
Pour  out  thy  soul  for  them  in  prayer  victorious ; 
And  all  thou  spendest  J esus  will  repay.  ’  ’ 


jFebruarp  it* 

The  divine  voice  speaks  through  the  words  of 
Jesus  Christ. 

God,  who  at  sundry  times  and  in  divers  man¬ 
ners  spake  in  time  past  unto  the  fathers  by  the 
prophets,  hath  in  these  last  days  spoken  unto 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


29 


us  by  bis  Son,  whom  he  hath  appointed  heir  of 
all  things,  by  whom  also  he  made  the  worlds. 

— Hebrews  1 : 1,  2. 

IMMORTAL  LOVE 

“We  may  not  climb  the  heavenly  steeps 
To  bring  the  Lord  Christ  down ; 

In  vain  we  search  the  lowest  deeps, 

For  Him  no  depths  can  drown. 7  7 


Jfebruar^  12* 

Alertness  to  hear,  and  self-control  in  speech 
lessen  anger  and  injury . 

Wherefore,  my  beloved  brethren,  let  every 
man  be  swift  to  hear,  slow  to  speak,  slow  to 
wrath. — James  1 : 19. 

YIELD  NOT  TO  TEMPTATION 
“To  him  that  o’ercometh,  God  giveth  a  crown, 
Thro7  faith  we  shall  conquer,  tho7  often  cast 
down ; 

He  who  is  our  Saviour,  our  strength  will  renew, 
Look  ever  to  Jesus,  He’ll  carry  you  through.77 


ffebruaii?  13. 

Returning  to  God  has  in  it  the  joy  of  making 
UP  after  temper. 

And  I  will  give  them  an  heart  to  know  me, 
that  I  am  the  Lord :  and  they  shall  be  my  peo¬ 
ple,  and  I  will  be  their  God :  for  they  shall  re¬ 
turn  unto  me  with  their  whole  heart. 

— Jeremiah  24 :  7. 


30 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


JUST  AS  I  AM 

‘  ‘  Just  as  I  am !  Thy  love  unknown 
Hath  broken  every  barrier  down ; 
Now,  to  be  Thine,  yea,  Thine  alone, 
O  Lamb  of  God,  I  come !  ’ * 


ffebruar^  14. 

The  marks  of  human  sacrifice  for  Christ  are 
scars  of  honour . 

Always  bearing  about  in  the  body  the  dying 
of  the  Lord  Jesus,  that  the  life  also  of  Jesus 
might  be  made  manifest  in  our  body. 

— 2  Corinthians  4 : 10. 

JESUS,  AND  SHALL  IT  EVER  BE 
c  ‘  Ashamed  of  J esus !  sooner  far 
Let  evening  blush  to  own  a  star : 

He  sheds  the  beams  of  light  divine 
0  ’er  this  benighted  soul  of  mine.  ’ 7 


ffebruarp  15. 

“  The  Bible  will  keep  you  from  sin  or  sin  will 
keep  you  from  the  Bible.” 

Wherewithal  shall  a  young  man  cleanse  his 
way?  by  taking  heed  thereto  according  to  thy 
word. — Psalm  119 : 9. 

MY  SOUL  BE  ON  THY  GUARD 
‘  ‘  Oh,  watch,  and  fight,  and  pray ! 

The  battle  ne  ’er  give  o  ’er ; 

Renew  it  boldly  every  day, 

And  help  divine  implore. 7  7 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


31 


ffebruarg  16. 

The  knowledge  and  wisdom  one  has  of  God  is 
the  only  safe  ground  for  pride. 

Thus  saith  the  Lord,  Let  not  the  wise  man 
glory  in  his  wisdom,  neither  let  the  mighty  man 
glory  in  his  might,  let  not  the  rich  man  glory 
in  his  riches.  But  let  him  that  glorieth  glory 
in  this,  that  he  understandeth  and  knoweth  me, 
that  I  am  the  Lord  which  exercise  lovingkind¬ 
ness,  judgment,  and  righteousness,  in  the  earth : 
for  in  these  things  I  delight,  saith  the  Lord. 

— Jeremiah  9 : 23,  24. 

JESUS,  LOVER  OF  MY  SOUL 
i ‘ Other  refuge  have  I  none; 

Hangs  my  helpless  soul  on  Thee ; 

Leave,  ah !  leave  me  not  alone, 

Still  support  and  comfort  me. 

All  my  trust  on  Thee  is  stayed, 

All  my  help  from  Thee  I  bring; 

Cover  my  defenceless  head 
With  the  shadow  of  Thy  wing.” 


JFebruar#  17. 

Benevolence  is  a  matter  of  service  and  helpful¬ 
ness  as  well  as  the  giving  of  money. 

I  have  shewed  you  all  things,  how  that  so 
labouring  ye  ought  to  support  the  weak,  and 
to  remember  the  words  of  the  Lord  J esus,  how 
he  said,  It  is  more  blessed  to  give  than  to  re¬ 
ceive. — Acts  20 : 35. 


32 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


NOW  THE  DAY  IS  OVER 
“Comfort  every  sufferer 
Watching  late  in  pain; 
Those  who  plan  some  evil 
From  their  sin  restrain.  ’ ? 


jfebruar£  18. 

Repeating  and  quoting  God’s  Word  develop  and 
enrich  Christian  character . 

But  speaking  the  truth  in  love,  may  grow  up 
into  him  in  all  things,  which  is  the  head,  even 
Christ. — Ephesians  4 : 15. 

MASTER ,  NO  OFFERING 
“Daily  our  lives  would  show 
Weakness  made  strong, 

Toilsome  and  gloomy  ways 
Brightened  with  song; 

Some  deeds  of  kindness  done, 

Some  souls  by  patience  won, 

Dear  Lord,  to  Thee.  ’  ’ 


ffebruar^  19. 

A  true  follower  of  J esus  Christ  will  live  a  joyful 
life . 

And  now  come  I  to  thee;  and  these  things  I 
speak  in  the  world,  that  they  might  have  my 
joy  fulfilled  in  themselves. — John  17 :13. 

JOY  TO  THE  WORLD 
“Joy  to  the  earth!  the  Saviour  reigns: 

Let  men  their  songs  employ ; 

While  fields  and  floods,  rocks,  hills  and  plains 
Repeat  the  sounding  joy.” 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


33 


.  ffebtuat£  20. 

Worship  and  faith  educate  the  soul . 

The  fear  of  tlie  Lord  is  the  beginning  of  wis¬ 
dom  :  and  tlie  knowledge  of  the  Roly  is  under¬ 
standing. — Proverbs  9 : 10. 

MY  FAITH  LOOKS  UP  TO  THEE 
“May  Thy  rich  grace  impart 
Strength  to  my  fainting  heart ; 

My  zeal  inspire ; 

As  Thou  hast  died  for  me, 

Oh,  may  my  love  to  Thee 
Pure,  warm,  and  changeless  be, 

A  living  fire!” 

3februarp  21* 

When  a  man  reads  and  learns  the  Bible  he  lays 
up  enduring  treasure. 

The  grass  withereth,  and  the  flower  thereof 
falleth  away :  but  the  word  of  the  Lord  endureth 
forever. — 1  Peter  1 :  24,  25. 

WE  WOULD  SEE  JESUS 
“We  would  see  Jesus,  the  great  Rock  Foundation 
Whereon  our  feet  were  set  by  sovereign  grace ; 

Not  life  nor  death,  with  all  their  agitation, 

Can  thence  remove  us,  if  we  see  His  face.” 

ffebruars  22 ♦ 

Patience  before  God  means  strength  in  body , 
soul  and  character. 

Wait  on  the  Lord :  be  of  good  courage,  and  he 
shall  strengthen  thine  heart :  wait,  I  say,  on  the 
Lord. — Psalm  27 : 14. 


34 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


QUIET ,  LORD ,  MF  FROWARD  HEART. 

‘  1  Quiet,  Lord,  my  f roward  heart, 

Make  me  teachable  and  mild, 

Upright,  simple,  free  from  art, 

Make  me  as  a  weaned  child : 

From  distrust  and  envy  free, 

Pleased  with  all  that  pleases  Thee.” 

ffebruarp  23, 

“  That  I  spent  that  I  had , 

That  I  gave  that  I  have , 

That  I  left  that  I  lost.” 

(On  an  old  English  tombstone.) 

Give,  and  it  shall  be  given  unto  yon;  good 
measure,  pressed  down,  and  shaken  together, 
and  running  over,  shall  men  give  unto  your 
bosom.  For  with  the  same  measure  that  ye 
mete  withal  it  shall  be  measured  to  you  again. 

— Luke  6 : 38. 

"  GIVE,”  SAID  THE  LITTLE  STREAM 

1  1  1  Give,  ’  said  the  little  stream, 

‘  Give,  Oh  give,  Give,  Oh  give, 

Give,  ’  said  the  little  stream, 

As  it  hurried  down  the  hill, 

1 1  am  small,  I  know,  but  wherever  I  go, 

Give,  Oh  give,  Give,  Oh  give. 

I  am  small,  I  know,  but  wherever  I  go, 

The  fields  grow  greener  still/  ” 


ffebruavs  24* 

Joy  and  Tight  go  together  as  the  morning  star 
leads  to  sunrise . 

And  these  things  write  we  unto  you,  that  your 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


35 


joy  may  be  full.  This  then  is  the  message  which 
we  have  heard  of  him,  and  declare  unto  you, 
that  God  is  light,  and  in  him  is  no  darkness  at 
all. — 1  John  1 : 4,  5. 

THE  LIGHT  OF  THE  WORLD  IS  JESUS 
i  1  The  whole  world  was  lost  in  the  darkness  of  sin ; 
The  Light  of  the  world  is  J esus ; 

Like  sunshine  at  noonday  His  glory  shone  in, 
The  Light  of  the  world  is  Jesus. 

‘  ‘  Come  to  the  Light,  ’tis  shining  for  thee ; 

Sweetly  the  Light  has  dawned  upon  me ; 

Once  I  was  blind,  but  now  I  can  see ; 

The  Light  of  the  world  is  Jesus.’ ’ 

ffebruarp  25 ♦ 

There  is  no  Christian  service  equal  to  winning 
others  to  Christ . 

And  they  that  be  wise  shall  shine  as  the 
brightness  of  the  firmament ;  and  they  that  turn 
many  to  righteousness  as  the  stars  forever  and 
ever. — Daniel  12 :  3. 

MUST  I  GO,  AND  EMPTY  HANDED? 

“Must  I  go  and  empty  handed, 

Thus  my  dear  Redeemer  meet  ? 

Not  one  day  of  service  give  Him, 

Lay  no  trophy  at  His  feet  ?  ’  ’ 

ffebruar^  26. 

The  words  of  the  Divine  Spirit  witness  for 
Christ. 

Howbeit  when  he,  the  Spirit  of  truth,  is  come, 
he  will  guide  you  into  all  truth:  for  he  shall 


36 


TO  "START  THE  DAY 


not  speak  of  himself;  but  whatsoever  he  shall 
hear,  that  shall  he  speak :  and  he  will  show  you 
things  to  come. — John  16 : 13. 

COMB,  THOU  FOUNT 
“O  to  grace  how  great  a  debtor 
Daily  1 hn  constrained  to  be ! 

Let  that  goodness,  like  a  fetter, 

Bind  my  wandering  heart  to  Thee.” 


jFebruar^  27* 

Mental  power  may  be  a  strong  comrade  of  love. 
Fearful  hearts  are  not  Godlike. 

For  God  hath  not  given  us  the  spirit  of  fear ; 
but  of  power,  and  of  love,  and  of  a  sound  mind. 

— 2  Timothy  1 :  7. 

SINCE  JESUS  IS  MY  FRIEND 
‘ 1  Since  Jesus  is  my  Friend,  and  I  to  Him  belong, 

It  matters  not  what  foes  intend,  however  fierce 
and  strong. 

6 1  He  whispers  in  my  breast  sweet  words  of  holy 
cheer, 

How  they  who  seek  in  God  their  rest 
Shall  ever  find  Him  near. 9  9 


jfebruarp  28. 

True  wisdom  begins  with  the  divine  mind.  The 
better  we  know  God ,  the  better  we  know  how 
to  live. 

Evil  men  understand  not  judgment:  but  they 
that  seek  the  Lord  understand  all  things. 

— Proverbs  28 : 5. 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


37 


HOLY ,  HOLY ,  HOLY 
“Holy,  holy,  holy!  Lord  God  Almighty! 
All  Thy  works  shall  praise  Thy  Name,  in 
earth  and  sky  and  sea; 

Holy,  holy,  holy !  merciful  and  mighty ! 
God  in  Three  Persons,  blessed  Trinity ! ?  y 


3Februar$  29* 

If  we  would  go  to  God’s  word  for  wisdom ,  our 
confidence  therein  would  grow  rapidly . 

The  fear  of  the  Lord  is  the  beginning  of  wis¬ 
dom  :  a  good  understanding  have  all  they  that 
do  his  commandments :  his  praise  endureth  for¬ 
ever. — Psalm  111 :  10. 

> 

PRAISE  THE  LORD! 

“Worship,  honour,  glory,  blessing, 

Lord,  we  offer  unto  Thee ; 

Young  and  old,  Thy  praise  expressing, 

In  glad  homage  bend  the  knee. 

All  the  saints  in  heaven  adore  Thee ; 

We  would  bow  before  Thy  throne : 

As  Thine  angels  serve  before  Thee, 

So  on  earth  Thy  will  be  done.’ 7 


MARCH 


/fbarcb  !♦ 

The  daily  personal  contest  with  evil  is  the  real 
field  of  battle . 

I  beseech  you  therefore,  brethren,  by  the 
mercies  of  God,  that  ye  present  your  bodies  a 
living  sacrifice,  holy,  acceptable  unto  God, 
which  is  your  reasonable  service. 

— Homans  12 : 1. 


LOVE  DIVINE 

“Breathe,  0  breathe  Thy  loving  Spirit 
Into  every  troubled  breast! 

Let  us  all  in  Thee  inherit, 

Let  us  find  the  promised  rest : 

Take  away  the  love  of  sinning ; 

Alpha  and  Omega  be ; 

End  of  faith,  as  its  beginning! 

Set  our  hearts  at  liberty.  ” 


jflbarcb  2. 

Transformed  lives  are  the  result  of  mental 
alertness  and  immediate  will-power. 

And  be  not  conformed  to  this  world :  but  be 
ye  transformed  by  the  renewing  of  your  mind, 
that  ye  may  prove  what  is  that  good,  and  ac¬ 
ceptable,  and  perfect,  will  of  God. 

— Homans  12 : 2. 


38 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


39 


A  MIGHTY  FORTRESS  IS  OUR  GOD 
“A  mighty  fortress  is  our  God, 

A  bulwark  never  failing : 

Our  Helper  He,  amid  the  flood 
Of  mortal  ills  prevailing : 

For  still  our  ancient  foe 
Doth  seek  to  work  us  woe ; 

His  craft  and  power  are  great, 
And,  armed  with  cruel  hate, 

On  earth  is  not  his  equal. 9  9 


march  3. 

Faith,  love  and  hope  are  companions  in  con¬ 
quest  as  in  sentiment . 

But  let  us,  who  are  of  the  day,  be  sober,  put¬ 
ting  on  the  breastplate  of  faith  and  love;  and 
for  an  helmet,  the  hope  of  salvation. 

— 1  Thessalqnians  5 : 8. 

THE  KING  OF  LOVE  MY  SHEPHERD  IS 
i  ‘  The  King  of  love  my  Shepherd  is, 

Whose  goodness  faileth  never, 

I  nothing  lack  if  I  am  His, 

And  He  is  mine  for  ever. 9  9 


march  4* 

Contentment  cannot  live  with  covetousnesso 
The  actual  possession  of  Christ  satisfies . 

Let  your  conversation  be  without  covetous¬ 
ness;  and  be  content  with  such  things  as  ye 
have :  for  he  hath  said,  I  will  never  leave  thee, 
nor  forsake  thee. — Hebrews  13 : 5. 


40 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


JESUS,  I  LIVE  TO  THEE 
i  1 J esus,  I  live  to  Thee, 

The  Loveliest  and  Best ; 
My  life  in  Thee, 

Thy  life  in  me, 

In  Thy  blest  love  I  rest. 7  7 


®a rcb  5* 

Accepting  the  debt  of  another  is  an  absolute 
test  of  friendship. 

If  lie  hath  wronged  thee,  or  oweth  thee  ought, 
put  that  on  mine  account. — Philemon  18  v. 

JESUS  PAID  IT  ALE 
61  Jesns  paid  it  ail, 

All  to  Him  I  owe ; 

Sin  had  left  a  crimson  stain, 

He  washed  it  white  as  snow. 7  7 


/l&arcfo  6* 

Without  the  self-control  of  the  body  influence 
and  usefulness  end. 

But  I  keep  under  my  body,  and  bring  it  info 
subjection :  lest  that  by  any  means,  when  I  have 
preached  to  others,  I  myself  should  be  a  cast¬ 
away. — 1  Corinthians  9 : 27. 

FIGHT  THE  GOOD  FIGHT 
“  Fight  the  good  fight  with  all  thy  might, 

Christ  is  thy  strength  and  Christ  thy  right : 
Lay  hold  on  life,  and  it  shall  be 
Thy  joy  and  crown  eternally.77 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


41 


ffDarcb  7* 

The  Holy  Spirit  was  sent  to  take  Christ’s  place 
in  human  affairs .  He  is  everywhere  present . 

Nevertheless  I  tell  you  the  truth;  It  is  ex¬ 
pedient  for  you  that  I  go  away :  for  if  I  go  not 
away,  the  Comforter  will  not  come  unto  you; 
hut  if  I  depart,  I  will  send  him  unto  you. 

— John  16 : 7. 

HOLY  SPIRIT ,  TRUTH  DIVINE 
‘  ‘  Holy  Spirit,  Truth  Divine, 

Dawn  upon  this  soul  of  mine ; 

Word  of  God  and  inward  Light, 

Wake  my  spirit,  clear  my  sight.  ” 

/!Darcb  8* 

All  nature  is  subject  to  the  will  of  our  God, 
and  defines  Him  to  those  who  see  us. 

Who  layeth  the  beams  of  his  chambers  in  the 
waters :  who  maketh  the  clouds  his  chariot :  who 
walketh  upon  the  wings  of  the  wind. 

— Psalm  104 :  3. 

SUN  OF  MY  SOUL 
1  i  Sun  of  my  soul,  Thou  Saviour  dear, 

It  is  not  night  if  Thou  be  near ; 

O  may  no  earth-born  cloud  arise 
To  hide  Thee  from  Thy  servant’s  eyes.” 

/Ibarcb  9* 

Christ  does  not  always  bear  our  burdens  but 
provides  a  yoke  to  help  us  bear  our  own . 

Come  unto  me,  all  ye  that  labour  and  are 
heavy  laden,  and  I  will  give  you  rest.  Take  my 


42 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


yoke  upon  you,  and  learn  of  me :  for  I  am  meek 
and  lowly  in  heart :  and  ye  shall  find  rest  unto 
your  souls.  For  my  yoke  is  easy,  and  my  bur¬ 
den  is  light. — Matthew  11 : 28,  29,  30. 

CAST  THY  BURDEN  ON  THE  LORD 
i  ‘  Cast  thy  burden  on  the  Lord, 

Only  lean  upon  His  word  ; 

Thou  wilt  soon  have  cause  to  bless 
His  unchanging  faithfulness.  ’  ’ 


/IDarcb  10* 

Grief  for  loved  ones  above  is  short-sighted . 
Theirs  is  a  joy  unspeakable  and  complete . 

For  the  Lamb  which  is  in  the  midst  of  the 
throne  shall  feed  them,  and  shall  lead  them 
unto  living  fountains  of  water:  and  God  shall 
wipe  away  all  tears  from  their  eyes. 

— Revelation  7 : 17. 

THE  SWEET  BY-AND-BY 
“We  shall  sing  on  that  beautiful  shore 
The  melodious  songs  of  the  blest, 

And  our  spirits  shall  sorrow  no  more, 

Not  a  sigh  for  the  blessing  of  rest.” 


ZlDarcb  11. 

Cheerfulness  and  song  show  a,  heart  at  peace 
with  God. 

Make  a  joyful  noise  unto  the  Lord,  all  ye 
lands.  Serve  the  Lord  with  gladness :  come  be¬ 
fore  his  presence  with  singing. 

— Psalm  100 : 1,  2. 


TO  STAET  THE  HAY 


43 


REVIVE  US  AGAIN 
“We  praise  Thee,  0  God! 

For  the  Son  of  Thy  love, 

For  J esus  who  died 
And  is  now  gone  above. 

Hallelujah!  Thine  the  glory, 

Hallelu  j  ah !  Amen ; 

Hallelujah!  Thine  the  glory, 

Revive  us  again.  ’  ’ 

flDarcb  \2> 

Wisdom  is  not  merely  an  evidence  of  discretion 
but  an  answer  to  prayer . 

If  any  of  you  lack  wisdom,  let  him  ask  of  God, 
that  giveth  to  all  men  liberally,  and  upbraideth 
not ;  and  it  shall  be  given  him. 

— James  1 :  5. 

SAVIOUR TEACH  ME  DAY  BY  DAY 
*  ‘  Saviour,  teach  me  day  by  day, 

Love’s  sweet  lesson, — to  obey; 

Sweeter  lesson  cannot  be, 

Loving  Him  who  first  loved  me.” 

/IDarcb  13* 

There  is  no  greater  blessing  than  having  spir¬ 
itual  faith  and  vision  into  the  life  beyond. 

That  the  God  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the 
Father  of  glory,  may  give  unto  you  the  spirit 
of  wisdom  and  revelation  in  the  knowledge  of 
him :  The  eyes  of  your  understanding  being  en¬ 
lightened;  that  ye  may  know  what  is  the  hope 
of  his  calling,  and  what  the  riches  of  the  glory 
of  his  inheritance  in  the  saints. 

— Ephesians  i :  17, 18. 


44 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


FOR  ALL  THE  SAINTS 
“For  all  the  saints  who  from  their  labours  rest, 
Who  Thee  by  faith  before  the  world  confessed, 
Thy  Name,  0  Jesus,  be  for  ever  blest. 

Alleluia !  Alleluia ! 7  ’ 


flDarcb  14* 

Interwoven  souls  make  love  vital,  and  solve  all 
smaller  problems  of  relationship. 

I  in  them,  and  thou  in  me,  that  they  may  be 
made  perfect  in  one;  and  that  the  world  may 
know  that  thou  hast  sent  me,  and  hast  loved 
them,  as  thou  hast  loved  me. — J ohn  17 : 23. 

ROCK  OF  AGES 
“Rock  of  Ages,  cleft  for  me, 

Let  me  hide  myself  in  Thee ; 

Let  the  wTater  and  the  blood, 

From  Thy  riven  side  which  flowed, 

Be  of  sin  the  double  cure, 

Cleanse  me  from  its  guilt  and  power.7 ’ 


ffiarcb  15* 

Known  weakness  in  human  life  leads  to  divine 
dependence. 

For  what  the  law  could  not  do,  in  that  it  was 
weak  through  the  flesh,  God  sending  his  own 
Son  in  the  likeness  of  sinful  flesh,  and  for  sin, 
condemned  sin  in  the  flesh. — Romans  8 : 3. 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


45 


IN  THE  HOUR  OF  TRIAL 
“In  the  hour  of  trial, 

Jesns,  plead  for  me; 

Lest  by  base  denial, 

I  depart  from  Thee ; 

When  Thou  see  ’st  me  waver, 

With  a  look  recall, 

Nor  for  fear  or  favour 
Suffer  me  to  fall.  ’  ’ 

/IDarcb  16* 

A  godly  man  was  very  ill.  His  friend,  saw  his 
lips  move .  He  was  saying,  “  God,  whose 
God  ?  My  God  shall  supply  my  need.  How 
much?  All  my  need.  Gan  He?  According 
to  His  riches  ”  and  then  he  peacef  ully  slept . 

But  my  God  shall  supply  all  your  need  ac¬ 
cording  to  his  riches  in  glory  by  Christ  Jesus. 

— Phxlxppians  4 : 19. 

JESUS,  LOVER  OF  MY  SOUL 
“Thou,  0  Christ,  art  all  I  want, 

More  than  all  in  Thee  I  find : 

Raise  the  fallen,  cheer  the  faint, 

Heal  the  sick,  and  lead  the  blind. 

Just  and  holy  is  Thy  name ; 

I  am  all  unrighteousness ; 

False  and  full  of  sin  I  am, 

Thou  art  full  of  truth  and  grace.  ’ r 

/Jbarcb  17* 

The  voice  of  God  may  come  to  us  in  the  night 
watches,  when  alone,  or  on  the  highway  in 
the  sunlight. 

And  the  Lord  came,  and  stood,  and  called  as 


46 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


at  other  times,  Samuel,  Samuel.  Then  Samuel 
answered,  Sx3eak ;  for  thy  servant  heareth. 

— 1  Samuel  3:10. 

QUIET  LORD ,  MY  FROWARD  HEART 
uAsa  little  child  relies 

On  a  care  beyond  his  own, 

Knows  he ’s  neither  strong  nor  wise, 

Fears  to  stir  a  step  alone ; — 

Let  me  thus  with  Thee  abide, 

As  my  Father,  Guard,  and  Guide.” 

®arcb  18* 

A  sense  of  need  linked  to  faith  and  will  has 
potver  in  it. 

Saying,  What  wilt  thou  that  I  shall  do  unto 
thee?  And  he  said,  Lord,  that  I  may  receive  my 
sight.  And  Jesus  said  unto  him,  Receive  thy 
sight :  thy  faith  hath  saved  thee. 

— Luke  18 :  41,  42. 

O  LOVE  THAT  WILT  NOT  LET  ME  GO 
i  1 0  Light,  that  f ollowest  all  my  way, 

.  I  yield  my  flickering  torch  to  Thee ; 

My  heart  restores  its  borrowed  ray, 

That  in  Thy  sunshine ’s  blaze  its  day 
May  brighter,  fairer  be.” 

fSbarcb  19* 

Profanity  is  usually  a  careless  and  thoughtless 
habit,  rather  than  a  blasphemous  intention. 

Thou  shalt  not  take  the  name  of  the  Lord 
thy  God  in  vain ;  for  the  Lord  will  not  hold  him 
guiltless  that  taketh  his  name  in  vain. 

— Exodus  20 : 7. 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


47 


PENITENCE 
* 1  Purer  yet  and  purer 
I  would  be  in  mind ; 
Dearer  yet  and  dearer 
Every  duty  find ; 
Hoping  still  and  trusting 
God  without  a  fear, 
Patiently  believing 

He  will  make  all  clear.’ ’ 


/Ibarcb  20* 

Long  life  is  'promised  to  those  who  honour  and 
obey  their  parents . 

Honour  thy  father  and  thy  mother :  that  thy 
days  may  be  long  upon  the  land  which  the  Lord 
thy  God  giveth  thee. — Exodus  20 : 12. 

I  WAS  A  WANDERING  SHEEP 
* 1  The  Shepherd  sought  His  sheep, 

The  Father  sought  His  child ; 

They  followed  me  o  ’er  vale  and  hill, 

O  ’er  deserts  waste  and  wild : 

They  found  me  nigh  to  death, 

Famished  and  faint  and  lone ; 

They  bound  me  with  the  bands  of  love, 
They  saved  the  wandering  one.” 


®arcb  2\* 

Witnessing  for  Christ  begins  at  home .  “  The 

light  that  shines  farthest  shines  brightest  at 
home” 

But  ye  shall  receive  power,  after  that  the 
Holy  Ghost  is  come  upon  you :  and  ye  shall  be 
witnesses  unto  me  both  in  Jerusalem,  and  in 


48 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


all  Judaea,  and  in  Samaria,  and  unto  tlie  utter¬ 
most  part  of  tlie  earth. — Acts  1 : 8. 

YOUR  MISSION 
“If  you  cannot  on  the  ocean 
v  Sail  among  the  swiftest  fleet, 

Rocking  on  the  highest  billows, 

Laughing  at  the  storms  you  meet ; 

You  can  stand  among  the  sailors, 

Anchored  yet  within  the  bay, 

You  can  lend  a  hand  to  help  them, 

As  they  launch  their  boats  away. 9  9 

/IDarcb  22* 

'Nothing  develops  and  enriches  a  man’s  life  as 
contact  with  God . 

And  when  he  was  come  into  his  own  country, 
he  taught  them  in  their  synagogue,  insomuch 
that  they  were  astonished,  and  said,  Whence 
hath  this  man  this  wisdom,  and  these  mighty 
works? — Matthew  13 :  54. 

IN  THE  GARDEN 

“And  He  walks  with  me,  and  He  talks  with  me, 
And  He  tells  me  I  am  His  own ; 

And  the  joy  we  share  as  we  tarry  there, 

None  other  has  ever  known/ ’ 

/IDarcb  23* 

The  thoughtful  study  of  God’s  Word  means 
worthy  service  and  truthful  interpretation . 

Study  to  shew  thyself  approved  unto  God,  a 
workman  that  needeth  not  to  be  ashamed, 
rightly  dividing  the  word  of  truth. 

— 2  Timothy  2 : 15. 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


49 


WONDERFUL  WORDS  OF  LIFE 
‘  ‘  Christ,  the  blessed  One,  gives  to  all, 
Wonderful  words  of  Life; 

Sinner,  list  to  the  loving  call, 

Wonderful  words  of  Life. 

All  so  freely  given,  wooing  us  to  heaven : 
Beautiful  words,  wonderful  words, 
Wonderful  words  of  Life.” 


flDarcb  24* 

A  controlled  tongue  is  worth  more  than  logical 
argument  or  brilliant  repartee . 

Set  a  watch,  O  Lord,  before  my  mouth ;  keep 
the  door  of  my  lips.  Incline  not  my  heart  to 
any  evil  thing. — Psalm  141 :  3,  4. 

HOLY  OFFERINGS 
* 1  Sinful  thoughts  and  wilful  ways, 

Love  of  self  and  human  praise, 

Pride  of  life  and  lust  of  eye, 

Worldly  pomp  and  vanity — 

Faults  that  let  and  will  not  leave  us, 

Though  their  staying  sorely  grieves  us, 
Help,  oh,  help  us  to  outlive  them ; 

Christ,  atone  for !  God,  forgive  them !  ’  ’ 


/Ibarcb  25 ♦ 

Companionship  and  conversation  in  which 
Christian  thoughts  enter  mean  the  presence 
of  Christ . 

Then  they  that  feared  the  Lord  spake  often 
one  to  another:  and  the  Lord  hearkened,  and 
heard  it,  and  a  book  of  remembrance  was  writ¬ 
ten  before  him  for  them  that,  feared  the  Lord, 


50 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


and  that  thought  upon  his  name.  And  they 
shall  be  mine,  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts,  in  that 
day  when  I  make  up  my  jewels. 

— Malaciii  3 : 16,  17. 

WHEN  HE  COMETH 
1 1  When  He  cometh,  when  He  cometh, 

To  make  up  His  jewels, 

All  His  jewels,  precious  jewels, 

His  loved  and  His  own. 9  3 

fflarcb  26. 

The  unrecognized  Christ  is  in  our  midst  to-day . 

Jesus  saith  unto  him,  Have  I  been  so  long 
time  with  you,  and  yet  hast  thou  not  known  me, 
Philip?  he  that  hath  seen  me  hath  seen  the 
Father ;  and  how  sayest  thou  then,  Shew  us  the 
Father? — John  14:9. 

JESUS,  THESE  EYES  HAVE  NEVER  SEEN 
1  1  Jesus,  these  eyes  have  never  seen 
That  radiant  form  of  Thine ! 

The  vail  of  sense  hangs  dark  between 
Thy  blessed  face  and  mine ! 9  3 

fiDarcfo  27. 

It  is  only  natural  for  men  of  the  world  to  be 
perplexed  and  unresponsive  to  spiritual 
things . 

But  the  natural  man  receiveth  not  the  things 
of  the  Spirit  of  God:  for  they  are  foolishness 
unto  him:  neither  can  he  know  them,  because 
they  are  spiritually  discerned. 

— 1  Corinthians  2 : 14. 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


51 


RESCUE  THE  PERISHING 
*  1  Rescue  the  perishing,  care  for  the  dying, 
Snatch  them  in  pity  from  sin  and  the  grave ; 
Weep  o’er  the  erring  one,  lift  up  the  fallen, 
Tell  them  of  J esus  the  Mighty  to  save. 5 1 


flDarcb  28. 

The  NOW  of  mystery  leads  to  the  then  of  un¬ 
derstanding.  Now  faith y  then  sight. 

For  now  we  see  through  a  glass,  darkly ;  hut 
then  face  to  face :  now  I  know  in  part ;  but  then 
shall  I  know  even  as  also  I  am  known.  And 
now  abideth  faith,  hope,  charity,  these  three; 
but  the  greatest  of  these  is  charity. 

— 1  Corinthians  13 : 12, 13. 

SAVED  BY  GRACE 

“Some  day  the  silver  cord  will  break, 

And  I  no  more  as  now  shall  sing ; 

But  0,  the  joy  when  I  shall  wake 
Within  the  palace  of  the  King!” 


/IDarcb  20. 

Sometime  we  shall  see  the  face  and  the  beauty 
of  J  esus  Christ  and  then  our  real  transforma¬ 
tion  will  take  place. 

But  we  all,  with  open  face  beholding  as  in 
a  glass  the  glory  of  the  Lord,  are  changed  into 
the  same  image  from  glory  to  glory,  even  as  by 
the  Spirit  of  the  Lord. — 2  Corinthians  3 : 18. 


52 


TO  STAET  THE  DAY 


SAVED  BY  GRACE 
“And  I  shall  see  Him  face  to  face, 
And  tell  the  story — saved  by  grace ; 
And  I  shall  see  Him  face  to  face, 

And  tell  the  story — saved  by  grace.’ 9 


/IDatcb  30. 

The  great  work  of  Christ  was  reconciliation . 
The  great  work  of  the  Christian  is  to  reconcile 
men  to  God  through  Christ . 

No w  then  we  are  ambassadors  for  Christ,  as 
though  God  did  beseech  you  by  us :  we  pray  you 
in  Christ’s  stead,  be  ye  reconciled  to  God. 

— 2  Corinthians  5 : 20. 

THE  KING’S  BUSINESS 
‘  ‘  I  am  a  stranger  here,  within  a  foreign  land ; 

My  home  is  far  away  upon  a  golden  strand ; 
Ambassador  to  be  of  realms  beyond  the  sea, 

I’m  here  on  business  for  my  King. 

This  is  the  message  that  I  bring, 

A  message  angels  fain  would  sing : 

‘  Oh,  be  ye  reconciled,  ’  Thus  saith  my  Lord 
and  King, 

‘Oh,  be  ye  reconciled  to  God.’  ” 


/ibarcb  31. 

When  divine  love  has  touched  our  lips  and  lives 
we  are  ready  to  go  anywhere  for  Christ . 

And  he  laid  it  upon  my  mouth,  and  said,  Lo, 
this  hath  touched  thy  lips;  and  thine  iniquity 
is  taken  away,  and  thy  sin  purged.  Also  I 
heard  the  voice  of  the  Lord,  saying,  Whom  shall 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


53 


I  send,  and  who  will  go  for  us?  Then  said  I, 
Here  am  I ;  send  me. — Isaiah  6 :  7,  8. 

ANYWHERE  WITH  JESUS 
“  Anywhere  with  Jesus  I  can  safely  go, 

Anywhere  He  leads  me  in  this  world  below. 
Anywhere  without  Him,  dearest  joys  would  fade, 
Anywhere  with  Jesus  I  am  not  afraid. 

“Anywhere!  anywhere!  Fear  I  cannot  know. 
Anywhere  with  Jesus  I  can  safely  go.” 


APRIL 


Hpdl  1. 

The  permanent  element  in  life  is  not  the  phys¬ 
ical  but  the  spiritual .  Life  passes  on  but 
character  conveyed  remains . 

As  for  man,  his  days  are  as  grass :  as  a  flower 
of  the  field,  so  he  fiourisheth.  For  the  wind 
passeth  over  it,  and  it  is  gone;  and  the  place 
thereof  shall  know  it  no  more. 

— Psalm  103 : 15,  16. 

JESUS,  1  MY  CROSS  HAVE  TAKEN 
1 1  Haste  then  on  from  grace  to  glory, 

Armed  by  faith,  and  winged  by  prayer ! 
Heaven’s  eternal  day’s  before  thee, 

God ’s  own  hand  shall  guide  thee  there ; 

Soon  shall  close  thy  earthly  mission, 

Swift  shall  pass  thy  pilgrim  days, 

Hope  soon  change  to  glad  fruition, 

Faith  to  sight,  and  prayer  to  praise.  ’ ’ 

Bpril  2* 

This  verse  shows  us  the  secret  of  self-control . 
It  is  in  the  control  of  our  speech. 

For  in  many  things  we  offend  all.  If  any  man 
offend  not  in  word,  the  same  is  a  perfect  man, 
and  able  also  to  bridle  the  whole  body. 

— James  3 :  2. 


54 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


55 


TAKE  MY  LIFE 
Take  my  voice,  and  let  me  sing, 

Always,  only,  for  my  King. 

Take  my  lips  and  let  them  be 
Filled  with  messages  from  Thee.” 

Bpril  3 • 

When  doubtful  it  is  well  to  wait  for  God’s  voice . 
Our  own  plans  are  often  as  unwise  as  they 
are  impatient . 

For  lie  wist  not  wliat  to  say;  for  they  were 
sore  afraid.  And  there  was  a  cloud  that  over¬ 
shadowed  them:  and  a  voice  came  out  of  the 
cloud,  saying,  This  is  my  beloved  Son:  hear 
him. — Mark  9 :  6,  7. 

LORD,  SPEAK  TO  ME 
1  ‘  Lord,  speak  to  me,  that  I  may  speak 
In  living  echoes  of  Thy  tone ; 

As  Thou  hast  sought,  so  let  me  seek 
Thy  erring  children  lost  and  lone. 7  7 

Bpril  4# 

Separation  from  Christ  is  unprofitable.  If 
there  is  to  be  fruit ,  there  must  be  contact. 

I  am  the  vine,  ye  are  the  branches :  He  that 
abideth  in  me,  and  I  in  him,  the  same  bringeth 
forth  much  fruit;  for  without  me  ye  can  do 
nothing. — J  ohn  15 : 5. 

HE  THAT  GOETH  FORTH  WITH  WEEPING 
1 1  He  that  goeth  forth  with  weeping, 
Bearing  precious  seed  in  love, 

Never  tiring,  never  sleeping, 

Findeth  mercy  from  above.7 9 


56 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


Hpril  5* 

Soul-winners  are  not  born  but  developed . 

And  Jesus  said  unto  them,  Come  ye  after  me, 
and  I  will  make  you  to  become  fishers  of  men. 

— Mark  1 : 17. 

WHERE  HE  LEADS  ME  I  WILL  FOLLOW 
‘ ‘Where  He  leads  me  I  will  follow, 

Where  He  leads  me  I  will  follow, 

Where  He  leads  me  I  will  follow, 

I’ll  go  with  Him,  with  Him,  all  the  way.” 

Hpril  6* 

'Wealth  weaves  its  own  web  of  selfishness .  Pos¬ 
session  often  means  possessed  by. 

Jesus  said  unto  him,  If  thou  wilt  be  perfect, 
go  and  sell  that  thou  hast,  and  give  to  the  poor, 
and  thou  shall  have  treasure  in  heaven:  and 
come  and  follow  me.  But  when  the  young  man 
heard  that  saying,  he  went  away  sorrowful :  for 
he  had  great  possessions. — Matthew  19 :  21,  22. 

TAKE  MY  LIFE  AND  LET  IT  BE 
<  ‘  Take  my  silver  and  my  gold ; 

Not  a  mite  would  I  withhold. 

Take  my  intellect  and  use 
Every  power  as  Thou  shalt  choose.  ’  ’ 

Hpril  7. 

The  attitude  of  others  to  us  is  not  the  important 
matter  but  our  attitude  to  them. 

Keep  yourself  in  the  love  of  God,  looking  for 
the  mercy  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  unto  eternal 
life. — Jude  21  v. 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


57 


HOLY  SPIRIT 
“Holy  Spirit,  Love  Divine, 

Glow  within  this  heart  of  mine ; 

Kindle  every  high  desire ; 

Perish  self  in  Thy  pure  fire !  ’ 7 

Eprtl  8* 

Holman  Hunt ,  the  great  artist  of  “  The  Light 
of  the  World/’  when  ashed  why  he  had  not 
painted  a  latch  on  the  door  before  which 
Christ  was  standing  said ,  “  The  latch  of  this 
door  is  on  the  inside 

Behold,  I  stand  at  the  door  and  knock :  if  any 
man  hear  my  voice,  and  open  the  door,  I  will 
come  in  to  him,  and  will  sup  with  him,  and  he 
with  me. — Revelation  3 : 20. 

KNOCKING ,  KNOCKING ,  WHO  IS  THERE? 
i  1  Knocking,  knocking,  who  is  there  ? 

Waiting,  waiting,  0  how  fair! 

JTis  a  pilgrim,  strange  and  kingly, 

Never  such  was  seen  before, 

Ah !  my  soul,  for  such  a  wonder, 

Wilt  thou  not  undo  the  door  ?  ’  ’ 

Epril  9. 

The  tithe  was  God’s  method  of  support  and 
benevolence .  When  Christians  will  give  a 
tenth  to  God,  the  question  of  giving  will  be 
settled. 

Bring  ye  all  the  tithes  into  the  storehouse, 
that  there  may  be  meat  in  mine  house,  and 
prove  me  now  herewith,  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts, 
if  I  will  not  open  you  the  windows  of  heaven, 


58 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


and  pour  you  out  a  blessing,  that  there  shall 
not  be  room  enough  to  receive  it. 

— Malachi  3 : 10. 

WHEN  I  SURVEY  THE  WONDROUS  CROSS 
6  1  Were  the  whole  realm  of  nature  mine, 

That  were  a  present  far  too  small ; 

Love  so  amazing,  so  divine, 

Demands  my  soul,  my  life,  my  all.,, 


BprU  10* 

In  days  of  discouragement  a  hopeful  prophecy 
inspires.  This  promise  has  no  limitation. 

For  the  earth  shall  be  filled  with  the  knowl¬ 
edge  of  the  glory  of  the  Lord,  as  the  waters 
cover  the  sea. — Habakkuk  2 : 14. 

JESUS,  I  MY  CROSS  HAVE  TAKEN 
*  ‘  Soul,  then  know  thy  full  salvation, 

Rise  o  ’er  sin  and  fear  and  care ; 

Joy  to  find  in  every  station 
Something  still  to  do  or  bear ; 

Think  what  Spirit  dwells  within  thee ; 
Think  what  Father ’s  smile  is  thine, 

Think  what  Saviour  died  to  win  thee ! 

Child  of  heaven,  shouldst  thou  repine 


BprU  11* 

There  is  something  magnificent  about  great 
mountains — stability  is  blended  with  gran¬ 
deur. 

Lord,  thou  hast  been  our  dwelling  place  in  all 
generations.  Before  the  mountains  were 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


59 


brought  forth,  or  ever  thou  hadst  formed  the 
earth  and  the  world,  even  from  everlasting  to 
everlasting,  thou  art  God. — Psalm  90 : 1,  2. 

MIGHTY  GOD,  WHILE  ANGELS  BLESS  THEE 
“Mighty  God,  while  angels  bless  Thee, 

May  a  mortal  sing  Thy  Name  ? 

Lord  of  men,  as  well  as  angels ! 

Thou  art  every  creature ’s  theme.  ’  ’ 

Hpril  12, 

Repentance ,  revival  and  restoration  follow 
when  people  and  priest  wail  before  God . 

And  all  the  people  gathered  themselves  to¬ 
gether  as  one  man  .  .  .  and  Ezra  the  i^riest 

brought  the  law  .  .  .  and  he  read  therein 

before  the  street  that  was  before  the  water 
gate  from  the  morning  until  midday,  before  the 
men  and  the  women,  and  those  that  could  under¬ 
stand;  and  the  ears  of  all  the  people  were  at¬ 
tentive  unto  the  book  of  the  law. 

— Nehemiah  8 : 1,  2,  8. 

WEARY  OF  EARTH 
“It  is  the  voice  of  Jesus  that  I  hear ; 

His  are  the  hands  stretched  out  to  draw  me  near, 
And  His  the  blood  that  can  for  all  atone, 

And  set  me  faultless  there  before  the  throne.  ’  ’ 

Epril  13, 

Daily  united  prayer  yields  joy ,  purpose,  good¬ 
will  and  growth.  A  constant  revival  shows 
health,  and  has  no  feverish  symptoms. 

And  they,  continuing  daily  with  one  accord 


60 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


in  the  temple,  and  breaking  bread  from  house 
to  house,  did  eat  their  meat  with  gladness  and 
singleness  of  heart,  praising  God  and  having 
favour  with  all  the  people.  And  the  Lord 
added  to  the  church  daily  such  as  should  be 
saved. — Acts  2 : 46,  47. 

MY  FAITH  LOOKS  UP  TO  THEE 
“My  faith  looks  up  to  Thee, 

Thou  Lamb  of  Calvary, 

Saviour  Divine : 

Now  hear  me  while  I  pray, 

Take  all  my  guilt  away, 

O  let  me  from  this  day 
Be  wholly  Thine.  ’  ’ 


Bpdl  t4* 

Caution  and  care  must  be  constant  or  unbelief 
will  deceive,  harden  and  mislead . 

Take  heed,  brethren,  lest  there  be  in  any  of 
you  an  evil  heart  of  unbelief,  in  departing  from 
the  living  God.  But  exhort  one  another  daily, 
while  it  is  called  To-day;  lest  any  of  you  be 
hardened  through  the  deceitfulness  of  sin. 

— Hebrews  3 : 12,  13. 

REVIVE  THY  WORK 
“Revive  Thy  work,  0  Lord, 

Thy  mighty  arm  make  bare ; 

Speak  with  the  voice  that  wakes  the 
dead, 

And  make  Thy  people  hear.” 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


61 


Bpril  15* 

The  still  small  voice  is  the  power  that  evert 
sways  the  heart  of  maw  and  influences  na¬ 
tions . 

And  lie  said,  Go  forth,  and  stand  upon  the 
mount  before  the  Lord.  And  behold,  the  Lord 
passed  by,  and  a  great  and  strong  wind  rent  the 
mountains,  and  brake  in  pieces  the  rocks  before 
the  Lord;  but  the  Lord  was  not  in  the  wind: 
and  after  the  wind  an  earthquake ;  but  the  Lord 
was  not  in  the  earthquake :  and  after  the  earth¬ 
quake  a  fire ;  but  the  Lord  was  not  in  the  fire : 
and  after  the  fire  a  still  small  voice. 

— 1  Kings  19 : 11,  12. 

SPIRIT  OF  GOD 

“ Teach  me  to  feel  that  Thou  art  always  nigh; 
Teach  me  the  struggles  of  the  soul  to  bear, 

To  check  the  rising  doubt,  the  rebel  sigh ; 

Teach  me  the  patience  of  unanswered  prayer/  ’ 


Bprii  16* 

God’s  fatherhood  makes  Deity  very  real  and 
near. 

If  ye  then,  being  evil,  know  how  to  give  good 
gifts  unto  your  children,  how  much  more  shall 
your  Father  which  is  in  heaven  give  good  gifts 
to  them  that  ask  him? — Matthew  7 : 11. 


62 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


SINCE  THY  F ATHENS  ARM  SUSTAINS  THEE 
‘ 1  Since  thy  Father ’s  arm  sustains  thee, 
Peaceful  be ; 

When  a  chastening  hand  restrains  thee, 

It  is  He ! 

Know  His  love  in  full  completeness 
Fills  the  measure  of  thy  weakness; 

If  He  wound  thy  spirit  sore, 

Trust  Him  more.” 


Bprti  17* 

The  house  of  God  is  the  place  of  the  presence 
of  God .  Learn  to  go  alone  to  the  house  of 
God  for  quiet  meditation . 

That  thine  eyes  may  be  open  toward  this 
house  night  and  day,  even  toward  the  place  of 
which  thou  hast  said,  My  name  shall  be  there : 
that  thou  mayest  hearken  unto  the  prayer  which 
thy  servant  shall  make  toward  this  place. 

— 1  Kings  8 : 29. 

THE  LORD  IS  IN  HIS  HOLY  TEMPLE 
‘  ‘  The  Lord  is  in  His  holy  temple, 

The  Lord  is  in  His  holy  temple ; 

Let  all  the  earth  keep  silence, 

Let  all  the  earth  keep  silence  before  Him, 
Keep  silence,  keep  silence  before  Him.  ’  9 


Hpril  18. 

The  cross  has  been  the  most  powerful  influence 
in  the  world  to  save  and  construct . 

For  I  determined  not  to  know  anything 
among  you,  save  Jesus  Christ,  and  him  cruci¬ 
fied.  .  .  .  And  my  speech  and  my  preach- 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


63 


ing  was  not  with  enticing  words  of  man’s  wis¬ 
dom,  but  in  demonstration  of  the  Spirit  and  of 
power. — 1  Corinthians  2 : 2,  4. 

BENEATH  THE  CROSS  OF  JESUS 
“Beneath  the  cross  of  Jesus, 

I  fain  would  take  my  stand, — 

The  shadow  of  a  mighty  rock, 

Within  a  weary  land ; 

A  home  within  the  wilderness, 

A  rest  upon  the  way, 

From  the  burning  of  the  noontide  heat, 

And  the  burden  of  the  day.  ’ 9 


Bpril  19 . 

Bordering  sins  are  those  that  walk  near  the 
edge.  A  pious  inclination  will  not  save  from 
a  fall. 

Abstain  from  all  appearance  of  evil. 

— 1  Thessalonians  5 : 22. 

•  i 

I  NEED  THEE  EVERY  HOUR 
“I  need  Thee  every  hour; 

Stay  Thou  near  by ; 

Temptations  lose  their  power 
When  Thou  art  nigh. 9  7 


Bpril  20. 

Repeating  evil  report  increases  appetite  for  evil . 

For  he  that  will  love  life,  and  see  good  days, 
let  him  refrain  his  tongue  from  evil,  and  his  lips 
that  they  speak  no  guile. — 1  Peter  3 : 10. 


64 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


COMB,  HOLY  GHOST 
‘  *  Exalt  our  low  desires; 

Extinguish  passion ’s  fires ; 

Heal  every  wound : 

Our  stubborn  spirits  bend, 

Our  icy  coldness  end, 

Our  devious  steps  attend, 

While  heavenward  bound/  ’ 

Bpril  2X. 

Belief  must  be  characterized  by  service.  The 
world  ignores  creed  that  reveals  greed. 

This  is  a  faithful  saying,  and  these  things  I 
will  that  thou  affirm  constantly,  that  they  which 
have  believed  in  God  might  be  careful  to  main¬ 
tain  good  works.  These  things  are  good  and 
profitable  unto  men. — Titus  3 :  8. 

MY  GOD,  HOW  ENDLESS  IS  THY  LOVE ! 

“My  God,  how  endless  is  Thy  love! 

Thy  gifts  are  every  evening  new ; 

And  morning  mercies,  from  above, 

Gently  distil,  like  earthly  dew. 

“I  yield  my  powers  to  Thy  command; 

To  Thee  I  consecrate  my  days ; 

Perpetual  blessings  from  Thy  hand 
Demand  perpetual  songs  of  praise.” 

Bpril  22. 

A  son  bears  the  name  of  his  father ,  and  the 
father  is  honoured  or  dishonoured  by  the  son. 

For  this  is  the  message  that  ye  heard  from 
the  beginning,  that  we  should  love  one  another. 

— 1  John  3 : 11. 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


65 


BEHOLD ,  WHAT  LOVE! 

* ( Behold,  what  love,  what  boundless  love, 

The  Father  hath  bestowed  on  sinners  lost, 

That  we  should  be  now  called  the  sons  of  God ! 
Behold  what  manner  of  love ! 

What  manner  of  love  the  Father  hath  bestowed 
upon  us, 

That  we,  that  we  should  be  called, 

Should  be  called  the  sons  of  God.” 


Epril  23* 

The  hope  of  His  coming  and  the  hope  of  heaven 
alike  purify  life  and  lessen  present  separa¬ 
tion. 

Behold,  now  are  we  the  sons  of  God,  and  it 
doth  not  yet  appear  what  we  shall  be:  but  we 
know  that,  when  he  shall  appear,  we  shall  be 
like  him;  for  we  shall  see  him  as  he  is.  And 
every  man  that  hath  this  hope  in  him  purifieth 
himself,  even  as  he  is  pure.- — 1  John  3 : 2,  3. 

SAVED  BY  GRACE 

“Some  day:  till  then  I’ll  watch  and  wait, 

My  lamp  all  trimmed  and  burning  bright, 
That  when  my  Saviour  opes  the  gate, 

My  soul  to  Him  may  take  its  flight.” 


Hpril  24* 

Only  One  can  keep  us  steady  and  keep  us  from 
falling, 

Now  unto  him  that  is  able  to  keep  you  from 
falling,  and  to  present  you  faultless  before  the 
presence  of  his  glory  with  exceeding  joy,  to  the 


.66 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


only  wise  God,  our  Saviour,  be  glory  and  maj¬ 
esty,  dominion  and  power,  both  now  and  ever. 
Amen. — Jude  24,  25. 

TRUST  AND  OBEY 
6  ‘  When  we  walk  with  the  Lord 
In  the  light  of  His  word, 

What  a  glory  He  sheds  on  our  way ! 

While  we  do  His  good  will, 

He  abides  with  us  still, 

And  with  all  who  will  trust  and  obey.  ’  ’ 


Bpril  25, 

Language  is  the  clothing  of  thought :  words  are 
the  garments  of  meditation. 

Let  the  words  of  my  mouth,  and  the  medita¬ 
tion  of  my  heart,  be  acceptable  in  thy  sight,  O 
Lord,  my  strength,  and  my  redeemer. 

— Psalm  19 : 14. 

“WHITER  THAN  SNOW” 

“Lord  Jesus,  look  down  from  Thy  throne  in  the 
skies, 

And  help  me  to  make  a  complete  sacrifice  ; 

I  give  up  myself,  and  whatever  I  know, 

Now  wash  me,  and  I  shall  be  whiter  than  snow.” 


Bpril  26, 

God  is  everywhere  and  can  transform  a  wilder¬ 
ness  spot  into  a  Bethel. 

And  Jacob  awaked  out  of  his  sleep,  and  he 
said,  Surely  the  Lord  is  in  this  place;  and  I 
knew  it  not. — Genesis  28 : 16. 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


67 


SEND  THEM  AWAY 
‘  ‘  The  world  about  us  everywhere 
Has  many  a  desert  spot 
Where  souls  are  hungering  for  God’s  food, 
And  lo,  they  find  it  not. 

Oh,  let  us  heed  the  Saviour 7s  voice, 

And  answer  Him  in  love, 

With  willing  hearts  and  eager  hands 
Bring  blessings  from  above. 7  7 


Bpril  27. 

A  right  start  in  the  morning  has  much  to  do 
with  the  day’s  value  and  finish. 

My  voice  shaft  thou  hear  in  the  morning,  O 
Lord;  In  the  morning  will  I  direct  my  prayer 
unto  thee,  and  will  look  up. — Psalm  5:2,  3. 

NEW  EVERY  MORNING 
“New  mercies,  each  returning  day, 

Hover  around  us,  while  we  pray ; 

New  perils  past,  new  sins  forgiven, 

New  thoughts  of  God,  new  hopes  of  heaven.7 9 


Bpril  28. 

When  assurance  and  confidence  go  together 
they  lead  to  commitment  and  security . 

For  the  which  cause  I  also  suffer  these 
things:  nevertheless,  I  am  not  ashamed:  for  I 
know  whom  I  have  believed,  and  am  persuaded 
that  he  is  able  to  keep  that  which  I  have  com¬ 
mitted  unto  him  against  that  day. 

— 2  Timothy  1 : 12. 


68 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


HARK,  MY  SOUL ! 

“Mine  is  an  unchanging  love, 

Higher  than  the  heights  above ; 
Deeper  than  the  depths  beneath — 
Free  and  faithful — strong  as  death.’ ’ 


Bpril  29* 

Patience  associated  with  work  leads  to  com¬ 
pleteness  of  life . 

But  let  patience  have  her  perfect  work,  that 
ye  may  be  perfect  and  entire,  wanting  nothing. 

— James  1 : 4. 

O  MASTER,  LET  ME  WALK  WITH  THEE 
“Teach  me  Thy  patience !  still  with  Thee 
In  closer,  dearer  company, 

In  work  that  keeps  faith  sweet  and  strong, 

In  trust  that  triumphs  over  wrong.” 


Bprii  30* 

Service  can  never  substitute  for  affection . 
Love  has  a  heart  as  well  as  a  hand . 

But  one  thing  is  needful:  and  Mary  hath 
chosen  that  good  part,  which  shall  not  be  taken 
away  from  her. — Luke  10 :  42. 

JESUS,  THOU  JOY  OF  LOVING  HEARTS. 

“Our  restless  spirits  yearn  for  Thee, 

Where’er  our  changeful  lot  is  cast; 

Glad,  when  Thy  gracious  smile  we  see, 

Blest,  when  our  faith  can  hold  Thee  fast.” 


MAY 


t. 

The  name  of  J esus  is  the  most  loved  name  in  all 
the  world . 

And  she  shall  bring  forth  a  son,  and  thou 
shalt  call  his  name  Jesus  :  for  he  shall  save  his 
people  from  their  sins. — Matthew  1 : 21. 

JESUS,  THY  NAME  I  LOVE 
“  Jesus,  Thy  Name  I  love 
All  other  names  above, 

Jesus,  my  Lord: 

O  Thou  art  all  to  me ; 

Nothing  to  please  I  see, 

Nothing  apart  from  Thee, 

Jesus,  my  Lord.” 

/H>a£  2* 

“Never  can  the  heart  be  lonely 
If  it  find  a  lonelier  still A 

Bear  ye  one  another’s  burdens,  and  so  fulfil 
the  law  of  Christ.  For  every  man  shall  bear 
his  own  burden. — Galatians  6 :  2,  5. 

NOT  I,  BUT  CHRIST 

**  ‘Not  I,  but  Christ,’  to  gently  soothe  in  sorrow; 
‘Not  I,  but  Christ,’  to  wipe  the  falling  tear: 

‘Not  I,  but  Christ,’  to  lift  the  weary  burden; 

‘Not  I,  but  Christ,’  to  hush  away  all  fear.” 

69 


70 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


3* 

The  crises  in  life  demand  meditation  and 
prayer .  Arabia  is  needed  before  Jerusalem . 

But  when  it  pleased  God  to  reveal  his  Son  in 
me,  that  I  might  preach  him  among  the 
heathen ;  immediately  I  conferred  not  with  flesh 
and  blood. — Galatians  1 : 15, 16. 

SINCE  THY  FATHER’S  ARM  SUSTAINS  THEE 
“Without  murmur,  uncomplaining, 

In  His  hand 

Lay  whatever  things  thou  canst  not 
Understand  : 

Though  the  world  thy  folly  spurneth, 

From  thy  faith  in  pity  turneth, 

Peace  thy  inmost  soul  shall  fill — 

Lying  still.  ’ ? 


Great  anticipation  supplies  endurance  and 
overlooks  misunderstanding . 

Looking  unto  Jesus  the  author  and  finisher 
of  our  faith;  who  for  the  joy  that  was  set  be¬ 
fore  him  endured  the  cross,  despising  the  shame, 
and  is  set  down  at  the  right  hand  of  the  throne 
of  God. — Hebrews  12 : 2. 

FOR  AIL  THE  SAINTS 

i 

“But  lo !  there  breaks  a  yet  more  glorious  day; 

The  saints  triumphant  rise  in  bright  array ; 

The  King  of  Glory  passes  on  His  way, 

Alleluia !  Alleluia ! 


TO  STABT  THE  DAY 


71 


* 1 From  earth’s  wide  bounds,  from,  ocean’s  farthest 
coast, 

Through  gates  of  pearl  streams  in  the  countless 
host, 

Singing  to  Father,  Son  and  Holy  Ghost, 

Alleluia!  Alleluia!” 

5. 

Following  the  path  of  duty  allows  no  side  ex¬ 
cursions. 

Be  ye  therefore  very  courageous  to  keep  and 
to  do  all  that  is  written  in  the  book  of  the  law 
of  Moses,  that  ye  turn  not  aside  therefrom  to 
the  right  hand  or  to  the  left. — Joshua  23: 6. 

STAND  UP,  STAND  UP  FOR  JESUS 
“  Stand  up,  stand  up  for  Jesus, 

The  trumpet  call  obey ; 

Forth  to  the  mighty  conflict 
In  this  His  glorious  day: 

Ye  that  are  men  now  serve  Him 
Against  unnumbered  foes; 

Let  courage  rise  with  danger, 

And  strength  to  strength  oppose.” 

fiDap  6* 

Common  sense  and  quick  courage  should  help 
a  man  run  from  temptation. 

Enter  not  into  the  path  of  the  wicked,  and 
go  not  in  the  way  of  evil  men. — Proverbs  4 : 14. 

GENTLY,  LORD,  O  GENTLY  LEAD  US 
6 ‘  When  temptation ’s  darts  assail  us, 

When  in  devious  paths  we  stray, 

Let  Thy  goodness  never  fail  us, 

Lead  us  in  Thy  perfect  way.  ’  ’ 


72 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


7 ♦ 

Church  attendance  and  fellowship  in  worship 
are  worth  all  they  cost . 

And  let  us  consider  one  another  to  provoke 
unto  love  and  to  good  works :  not  forsaking  the 
assembling  of  ourselves  together,  as  the  manner 
of  some  is. — Hebrews  10 :  24,  25. 

I  WVE  THY  KINGDOM,  LORD 
“I  love  Thy  Church,  0  God! 

Her  walls  before  Thee  stand, 

Dear  as  the  apple  of  Thine  eye, 

And  graven  on  Thy  hand. 

“  Beyond  my  highest  joy 
I  prize  her  heavenly  ways, 

Her  sweet  communion,  solemn  vows, 

Her  hymns  of  love  and  praise.  ’ * 


8* 

The  continual  blessings  of  God  are  immeasur¬ 
able  and  their  consideration  leads  to  sincerity 
and  loyalty . 

Only  fear  the  Lord,  and  serve  him  in  truth 
with  all  your  heart:  for  consider  how  great 
things  he  hath  done  for  you. 

— Samuel  12 : 24. 

MAJESTIC  SWEETNESS 
“  Since  from  His  bounty  I  receive 
Such  proofs  of  love  divine, 

Had  I  a  thousand  hearts  to  give, 

Lord !  they  should  all  be  Thine. ’  * 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


73 


ffDa^  0. 

Mere  forms  of  worship  can  never  satisfy  a  God 
who  craves  the  devotion  of  the  heart . 

Wherefore  the  Lord  said,  Forasmuch  as  this 
people  draw  near  me  with  their  mouth,  and  with 
their  lips  do  honour  me,  but  have  removed  their 
heart  far  from  me,  and  their  fear  toward  me  is 
taught  by  the  precept  of  men. — Isaiah  29 : 13. 

COMB,  HOLY  SPIRIT,  HEAVENLY  DOVE 
“Dear  Lord,  and  shall  we  ever  live 
At  this  poor  dying  rate — 

Onr  love  so  faint,  so  cold  to  Thee, 

And  Thine  to  us  so  great  ? 

“Come,  Holy  Spirit,  heavenly  Dove! 

With  all  Thy  quickening  powers; 

Come,  shed  abroad  a  Saviour’s  love, 

And  that  shall  kindle  ours.” 

10. 

Leadership,  providence,  divine  satisfaction, 
restoration,  sustentation — all  these  belong  to 
a  good  man. 

The  steps  of  a  good  man  are  ordered  by  the 
Lord :  and  he  delighteth  in  his  way.  Though  he 
fall,  he  shall  not  be  utterly  cast  down:  for  the 
Lord  upholdeth  him  with  liis  hand. 

— Psalm  37 : 23,  24. 

THE  SPIRIT  BREATHES  UPON  THE  WORD 
“My  soul  rejoices  to  pursue 
The  steps  of  Him  I  love, 

Till  glory  break  upon  my  view 
In  brighter  worlds  above.  ’ 9 


74 


TO  STAET  THE  DAY 


IV 

Some  one  has  defined  a  man’s  character  as 
“  What  God  sees  him  do  in  the  dark  ,” 

Work  out  your  own  salvation  with  fear  and 
trembling,  for  it  is  God  which  worketh  in  you 
both  to  will  and  to  do  of  his  good  pleasure. 

— Phxlippians  2 : 12,  13. 

MY  SOUL,  BE  ON  THY  GUARD 
“ Ne’er  think  the  victory  won, 

Nor  lay  thine  armour  down ; 

Thine  arduous  work  will  not  be  done, 

Till  thou  obtain  thy  crown.  ’ ’ 


flDat?  12* 

Christ  put  great  stress  on  forgiveness.  It  takes 
two  to  make  or  continue  a  quarrel. 

Forbearing  one  another,  and  forgiving  one 
another,  if  any  man  have  a  quarrel  against  any : 
even  as  Christ  forgave  you,  so  also  do  ye. 

— Colossians  3 : 13. 

LORD ,  AS  TO  THY  DEAR  CROSS  WE  FLEE 
6 1  Should  friends  misjudge,  or  foes  defame, 

Or  brethren  faithless  prove, 

Then,  like  Thine  own,  be  all  our  aim 
To  conquer  them  by  love. 

* 4  Kept  peaceful  in  the  midst  of  strife, 

Forgiving  and  forgiven, 

O  may  we  lead  the  pilgrim’s  life, 

And  follow  Thee  to  heaven.” 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


75 


fifcav  13* 

Youthful  example  in  consistent  act  and  kindly 
spirit  will  silence  ridicule. 

Let  no  man  despise  thy  youth ;  but  be  thou  an 
example  of  the  believers,  in  word,  in  conversa¬ 
tion,  in  charity,  in  spirit,  in  faith,  in  purity. 

— 1  Timothy  4 : 12. 

THOU  ART  THE  WAY 
* 1  Thou  art  the  Way,  the  Truth,  the  Life : 
Grant  us  that  Way  to  know, 

That  Truth  to  keep,  that  Life  to  win, 

Whose  joys  eternal  flow.” 


/!Da$  14. 

Many  a  life  friend  has  been  made  out  of  an 
enemy  by  the  grace  of  Jesus  Christ . 

But  I  say  unto  you  which  hear,  Love  your 
enemies,  do  good  to  them  that  hate  you,  bless 
them  that  curse  you,  and  pray  for  them  which 
despitefully  use  you. — Luke  G :  27,  28. 

GOD  IS  MY  STRONG  SALVATION 
“  Though  hosts  encamp  around  me, 

Firm  to  the  fight  I  stand ; 

What  terror  can  confound  me, 

With  God  at  my  right  hand? 

• 

“His  might  thy  heart  shall  strengthen, 

His  love  thy  joy  increase; 

Mercy  thy  days  shall  lengthen ; 

The  Lord  will  give  thee  peace. 99 


76 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


15* 

Christians  who  gossip  cause  the  Master  grief , 
their  friends  distress,  and  disintegrate  so¬ 
ciety. 

He  that  covereth  a  transgression  seeketh 
love ;  but  lie  that  repeateth  a  matter  separateth 
very  friends. — Proverbs  17 :  9. 

PENITENCE 

“Calmer  yet  and  calmer,  trials  bear  and  pain, 
Surer  yet  and  surer,  peace  at  last  to  gain ; 
Suffering  still  and  doing,  to  His  will  resigned, 
And  to  God  subduing  heart,  and  will,  and  mind,” 

/IDav  16. 

Faith  and  works ;  love  and  labour ;  hope  and 
patience — these  are  partners  well  pleasing  to 
Cod. 

Remembering  without  ceasing  your  work  of 
faith,  and  labour  of  love,  and  patience  of  hope 
in  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  in  the  sight  of  God 
and  our  Father. — 1  Thessalonians  1 :  3. 

SPIRIT  OF  GOD 

‘  ‘  Teach  me  to  love  Thee  as  Thine  angels  love, 
One  holy  passion  filling  all  my  frame ; 

The  baptism  of  the  heaven-descended  Dove, 
My  heart  an  altar,  and  Thy  love  the  flame.  ’ 7 

/ifeap  17* 

He  tvho  sees  his  brother’s  need  and  meets  it  sees 
Christ  in  every-day  life. 

And  the  King  shall  answer  and  say  unto 
them,  Verily  I  say  unto  you,  Inasmuch  as  ye 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


77 


have  done  it  unto  one  of  tlie  least  of  these  my 
brethren,  ye  have  done  it  nnto  me. 

— Matthew  25 : 40. 

IMMORTAL  LOVE 
“  Immortal  Love,  forever  full, 

Forever  flowing  free, 

Forever  shared,  forever  whole, 

A  never  ebbing  sea !  ’  ’ 


fib  a#  IS. 

The  extra  work  of  life  makes  life  worth  living . 
The  second  mile  counts j  no  time-server  was 
ever  happy. 

And  whosoever  shall  compel  thee  to  go  a  mile, 
go  with  him  twain.  Give  to  him  that  asketh 
thee,  and  from  him  that  would  borrow  of  thee 
turn  not  thou  away. — Matthew  5 : 41,  42. 

MY  DEAR  REDEEMER  AND  MY  LORD 
c  ‘  Such  was  Thy  truth,  and  such  Thy  zeal, 

Such  deference  to  Thy  Father’s  will, 

Such  love  and  meekness  so  divine, 

I  would  transcribe  and  make  them  mine.  ’  ’ 


19. 

Love  begets  love  and  is  rewarded.  If  human 
hearts  crave  real  affection ,  how  much  more 
the  heart  of  God. 

Because  he  hath  set  his  love  upon  me,  there¬ 
fore  will  I  deliver  him :  I  will  set  him  on  high, 
because  he  hath  known  my  name. 

— Psalm  91 : 14. 


78 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


JESUS,  LOVER  OF  MY  SOUL 
il  Jesus,  Lover  of  my  soul, 

Let  me  to  Thy  bosom  fly, 

While  the  nearer  waters  roll, 
While  the  tempest  still  is  high : 
Hide  me,  0  my  Saviour  hide, 
Till  the  storm  of  life  is  past ; 
Safe  into  the  haven  guide, 

0  receive  my  soul  at  last.  ’ ’ 


iBas?  20 ♦ 

Prayer  for  understanding  and  ivisdom  touched 
the  heart  of  God. 

And  God  said  unto  him,  Because  thou  hast 
asked  this  thing,  and  hast  not  asked  for  thyself 
long  life ;  neither  hast  asked  riches  for  thyself, 
nor  hast  asked  the  life  of  thine  enemies;  but 
hast  asked  for  thyself  understanding  to  discern 
judgment;  behold,  I  have  done  according  to  thy 
words :  lo,  I  have  given  thee  a  wise  and  an  un¬ 
derstanding  heart. — 1  Kings  3 : 11, 12. 

BENEATH  THE  CROSS  OF  JESUS 
“I  take,  0  cross,  thy  shadow 
For  my  abiding-place : 

I  ask  no  other  sunshine  than 
The  sunshine  of  His  face ; 

Content  to  let  the  world  go  by, 

To  know  no  gain  nor  loss ; 

My  sinful  self  my  only  shame, 

My  glory  all,  the  cross.’ ’ 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


79 


fib  ay  21 

Righteousness  lias  its  full  reward  in  living  in 
the  high  places  of  earth  and  seevng  afar . 

He  that  walketh  righteously,  and  speaketh 
uprightly  ...  he  shall  dwell  on  high 
.  .  .  they  shall  behold  the  land  that  is  very 

far  off. — Isaiah  33 : 15, 16, 17. 

CALL  JEHOVAH  THY  SALVATION 
“Call  Jehovah  thy  Salvation, 

Rest  beneath  the  Almighty’s  shade, 

In  His  secret  habitation, 

Dwell,  and  never  be  dismayed : 

There  no  tumult  shall  alarm  thee, 

Thou  shalt  dread  no  hidden  snare; 

Guile  nor  violence  can  harm  thee, 

In  eternal  safeguard  there.  ’ 1 

22- 

A  shepherd  has  hut  one  thought  and  that  for 
his  sheep.  Food ,  shelter ,  protection ,  leader¬ 
ship  his  care  provides. 

The  Lord  is  my  shepherd;  I  shall  not  want. 
He  maketh  me  to  lie  down  in  green  pastures :  He 
leadeth  me  beside  the  still  waters. 

— Psalm  23 : 1,  2. 

SAVIOUR ,  LIKE  A  SHEPHERD  LEAD  US 
“Saviour,  like  a  Shepherd  lead  us, 

Much  we  need  Thy  tenderest  care  ; 

In  Thy  pleasant  pastures  feed  us, 

For  our  use  Thy  folds  prepare : 

Blessed  Jesus,  blessed  Jesus, 

Thou  hast  bought  us,  Thine  we  are ; 
Blessed  Jesus,  blessed  Jesus, 

Thou  hast  bought  us,  Thine  we  are. 9  7 


80 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


flD 23. 

Faith  not  only  is  fearless  hut  it  has  vision,  and 
the  power  to  pray  vision  into  others’  eyes . 

And  Elisha  prayed,  and  said,  Lord,  I  pray 
thee,  open  his  eyes,  that  he  may  see.  And  the 
Lord  opened  the  eyes  of  the  young  man ;  and  he 
saw. — 2  Kings  6 : 17. 

O  LAMB  OF  GOD 
“0  Lamb  of  God,  still  keep  me 
Near  to  Thy  wounded  side ; 

His  only  there  in  safety 
And  peace  I  can  abide. 

What  foes  and  snares  surround  me, 

What  doubts  and  fears  within! 

The  grace  that  sought  and  found  me 
Alone  can  keep  me  clean.  ’  ’ 

fflap  24. 

Purity  of  heart  and  life  insure  position,  security 
and  honour . 

Who  shall  ascend  into  the  hill  of  the  Lord? 
or  who  shall  stand  in  his  holy  place?  He  that 
hath  clean  hands  and  a  pure  heart. 

— Psalm  24 :  3,  4. 

SEARCHER  OF  HEARTS 
“  Searcher  of  hearts,  from  mine  erase 
All  thoughts  that  should  not  be, 

And  in  its  deep  recesses  trace 
My  gratitude  to  Thee.” 

dDa\?  25. 

When  heart ,  mind  and  will  unite  in  seeking 
God,  He  is  found . 

And  thou,  Solomon  my  son,  know  thou  the 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


81 


God  of  thy  father,  and  serve  him  with  a  perfect 
heart  and  with  a  willing  mind:  for  the  Lord 
searcheth  all  hearts,  and  understandeth  all  the 
imaginations  of  the  thoughts :  if  thou  seek  him, 
he  will  he  found  of  thee. — 1  Chronicles  28 :  9. 

JESUS,  THOU  JOY  OF  LOVING  HEARTS 
1 1  Thy  truth  unchanged  hath  ever  stood ; 

Thou  savest,  those  that  on  Thee  call ; 

To  them  that  seek  Thee  Thou  art  good, 

To  them  that  find  Thee  All  in  all.  ’  ’ 


/ID at?  26* 

The  most  compelling  word  of  divine  love  is 
“  Come.”  It  runs  from  the  ark  to  Calvary , 
and  to  the  very  gate  of  heaven . 

And  the  Spirit  and  the  bride  say,  Come.  And 
let  him  that  heareth  say,  Come.  And  let  him 
that  is  athirst  come.  And  whosoever  will,  let 
him  take  the  water  of  life  freely. 

— Revelation  22 : 17. 

ART  THOU  WEARY,  ART  THOU  LANGUID 
c ‘Art  thou  weary,  art  thou  languid, 

Art  thou  sore  distressed? 

‘Come  to  Me,’  saith  One,  ‘and  coming, 

Be  at  rest.  ’ 

“Finding,  following,  keeping,  struggling, 

Is  He  sure  to  bless? 

Saints,  apostles,  prophets,  martyrs, 

Answer,  ‘Yes.’  ” 


82 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


27* 

Whole-hearted  worship  and  work  bring  pros¬ 
perity  and  confidence. 

And  in  every  work  that  lie  began  in  the  serv¬ 
ice  of  the  house  of  God,  and  in  the  law,  and  in 
the  commandments,  to  seek  his  God,  he  did  it 
with  all  his  heart,  and  prospered. 

— 2  Chronicles  31 : 21. 

TRUB-HBARTBD,  WHOBB-HBARTED 
1 ‘True-hearted,  whole-hearted,  faithful  and  loyal, 
King  of  our  lives  by  Thy  grace  we  will  be ; 

Under  the  standard,  exalted  and  royal, 

Strong  in  Thy  strength,  we  will  battle  for  Thee.” 

flb 28 ♦ 

Borne  people  are  so  busy  doing  what  they  WANT 
to  do  that  they  have  no  time  to  do  what  they 
ought  to  do. 

That  the  Lord  thy  God  may  shew  us  the  way 
wherein  we  may  walk,  and  the  thing  that  we 
may  do. — Jeremiah  42 :  3. 

FATHER 1  KNOW  THAT  AIL  MY  LIFE 
“Father,  I  know  that  all  my  life 
Is  portioned  out  for  me; 

The  changes  that  are  sure  to  come, 

I  do  not  fear  to  see: 

I  ask  Thee  for  a  present  mind, 

Intent  on  pleasing  Thee. 

i  ‘  I  would  not  have  the  restless  will 
That  hurries  to  and  fro, 

Seeking  for  some  great  thing  to  do, 

Or  secret  thing  to  know ; 

I  would  be  treated  as  a  child, 

And  guided  where  I  go. 9  9 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


83 


/!Da£  29* 

Y/ie  implies  a  time  when  God  is  far  distant 
or  cannot  be  found .  “Now  is  the  accepted 
time,”  “Do  it  now”  has  become  a  world¬ 
wide  motto. 

Seek  ye  tlie  Lord  while  lie  may  be  found,  call 
ye  upon  him  while  he  is  near. — Isaiah  55 :  6. 

WHY  DO  YOU  WAIT ? 

‘ ‘Why  do  you  wait,  dear  brother, 

Oh,  why  do  you  tarry  so  long ! 

Your  Saviour  is  waiting  to  give  you 
A  place  in  His  sanctified  throng. J  ’ 


/IDa£  30* 

First  things  first  for  God ,  and  then  God  will 
add  all  needed  secondary  gifts. 

But  seek  ye  first  the  kingdom  of  God,  and  his 
righteousness;  and  all  these  things  shall  be 
added  unto  you. — Matthew  6 :  33. 

IMMORTAL  LOVB 
‘ i  0  Lord,  and  Master  of  us  all, 

Whatever  our  name  or  sign, 

We  own  Thy  sway,  we  hear  Thy  call, 

We  test  our  lives  by  Thine !  ’ ’ 


flDas  3L 

Christ  is  able:  able  to  save:  able  to  save  to  the 
uttermost:  able  to  save  to  the  uttermost  all 
who  come. 

Wherefore  he  is  able  also  to  save  them  to  the 


84 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


uttermost  that  come  unto  God  by  him,  seeing 
he  ever  livetli  to  make  intercession  for  them. 

— Hebrews  7 :  25. 

THERE  IS  A  FOUNTAIN  FILLED  WITH  BLOOD 
“Dear  dying  Lamb,  Thy  precious  blood 
Shall  never  lose  its  power 
Till  all  the  ransomed  Church  of  God 
Be  saved,  to  sin  no  more.” 


JUNE 


June  t. 

Stability  and  sincerity  go  together .  A  true 
Christian  will  hasten  from  wrong. 

Nevertheless  the  foundation  of  God  standeth 
sure,  having  this  seal,  The  Lord  knoweth  them 
that  are  his.  And,  Let  every  one  that  nameth 
the  name  of  Christ  depart  from  iniquity. 

— 2  Timothy  2 : 19. 

CHRISTIAN ,  DOST  THOU  SEE  THEM 
i  ‘  Christian,  dost  thou  see  them. 

On  the  holy  ground, 

How  the  powers  of  darkness 
Kage  thy  steps  around? 

Christian,  up  and  smite  them, 

Counting  gain  but  loss, 

Smite  them  by  the  merit 
Of  the  holy  cross.  *  ’ 

June  2* 

How  few  who  die  have  all  in  order  to  meet 
death.  The  spiritual  state  of  affairs  is  far 
more  important  than  the  material. 

In  those  days  was  Hezekiah  sick  unto  death. 
And  the  prophet  Isaiah  the  son  of  Amoz  came 
to  him,  and  said  unto  him,  Thus  saith  the  Lord, 
Set  thine  house  in  order;  for  thou  shalt  die, 
and  not  live. — 2  Kings  20 : 1. 

85 


86 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


NEW  EVERY  MORNING 
‘  ‘  The  trivial  round,  the  common  task, 
Will  furnish  all  we  ought  to  ask ; 
Room  to  deny  ourselves,  a  road 
To  bring  us  daily  nearer  God.  ’  ’ 


June  3* 

Think  of  fifteen  years  added  to  the  life  of  a 
dying  man.  Have  we  a  purpose  in  our  next 
fifteen  years ? 

Turn  again,  and  tell  Hezekiah  the  captain  of 
my  people,  Thus  saith  the  Lord,  the  God  of 
David  thy  father,  I  have  heard  thy  prayer,  I 
have  seen  thy  tears :  behold,  I  will  heal  thee : 
on  the  third  day  thou  shalt  go  up  unto  the  house 
of  the  Lord.  And  I  will  add  unto  thy  days 
fifteen  years. — 2  Kings  20 :  5. 

WHILE  WITH  CEASELESS  COURSE  THE  SUN 
1  ‘  Thanks  for  mercies  past  receive ; 

Pardon  for  our  sins  renew ; 

Teach  us  henceforth  how  to  live 
With  eternity  in  view; 

Bless  Thy  word  to  young  and  old ; 

Pill  us  with  a  Saviour ’s  love ; 

And  when  life ’s  short  tale  is  told, 

May  we  dwell  with  Thee  above.’ ’ 


June  4. 

The  infinite  love  of  God  is  forever  evidenced  in 
His  suffering  and  self-sacrificing. 

But  he  was  wounded  for  our  transgressions, 
he  was  bruised  for  our  iniquities :  the  chastise- 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


87 


ment  of  our  peace  was  upon  liim ;  and  with  his 
stripes  we  are  healed. — Isaiah  53 :  5. 

I’VE  FOUND  A  FRIEND 
“I’ve  found  a  Friend;  0  such  a  Friend! 

He  bled,  He  died  to  save  me ; 

And  not  alone  the  gift  of  life, 

But  His  own  self  He  gave  me. 

Naught  that  I  have  mine  own  I  ’ll  call, 

I  ’ll  hold  it  for  the  Giver ; 

My  heart,  my  strength,  my  life,  my  all, 

Are  His,  and  His  for  ever.  ’  ’ 


June  5* 

Those  who  know  not  God  seem  forlorn  and  help¬ 
less  when  sorrow  and  disaster  come. 

The  Lord  is  good,  a  strong  hold  in  the  day  of 
trouble ;  and  he  lmoweth  them  that  trust  in  him. 

— Nahum  1 : 7. 

CAST  THY  BURDEN  ON  THE  LORD 
1  ‘  He  sustains  thee  by  His  hand, 

He  enables  thee  to  stand ; 

Those  whom  Jesus  once  hath  loved 
From  His  grace  are  never  moved.  ’  ’ 


June  6. 

We  cannot  follow  Christ  by  a  general  resolve, 
but  by  daily  cross  bearing . 

And  Jesus  said  to  them  all,  If  any  man  will 
come  after  me,  let  him  deny  himself,  and  take 
up  his  cross  daily,  and  follow  me. — Luke  9 : 23. 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


/ 


88 


I  NEED  THEE  EVERY  HOUR 
“I  need  Thee  every  hour, 

Most  Gracious  Lord ; 

No  tender  voice  like  Thine 
Can  peace  afford. 

I  need  Thee,  Oh !  I  need  Thee, 
Every  hour  I  need  Thee ; 

O  bless  me  now,  my  Saviour, 
I  come  to  Thee.  ’ ’ 


June  7* 

God  blesses  the  man  who  honours  His  day.  “  A 
Sabbath  well  spent  brings  a  week  of  content S’ 

If  thou  turn  away  thy  foot  from  the  Sabbath, 
from  doing  thy  pleasure  on  my  holy  day;  and 
call  the  Sabbath  a  delight,  the  holy  of  the  Lord, 
honourable;  and  shalt  honour  him,  not  doing 
thine  own  ways,  nor  finding  thine  own  pleasure, 
nor  speaking  thine  own  words :  Then  shalt  thou 
delight  thyself  in  the  Lord;  and  I  will  cause 
thee  to  ride  upon  the  high  places  of  the  earth, 
and  feed  thee  with  the  heritage  of  Jacob  thy 
father :  for  the  mouth  of  the  Lord  hath  spoken 
it. — Isaiah  58 : 13, 14. 

O  DAY  OF  REST  AND  GLADNESS 
“0  day  of  rest  and  gladness, 

0  day  of  joy  and  light, 

O  balm  of  care  and  sadness, 

Most  beautiful,  most  bright ; 

On  thee  the  high  and  lowly, 

Through  ages  joined  in  tune, 

Sing  Holy,  Holy,  Holy, 

To  the  great  God  Triune.” 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


89 


June  8. 

A  great  educator  once  said:  “Life  is  divided 
into  two  classes,  Givers  and  Getters  ” 

For  whosoever  will  save  his  life  shall  lose  it : 
hut  whosoever  will  lose  his  life,  for  my  sake, 
the  same  shall  save  it. — Luke  9 : 24. 

I  GAVE  MY  LIFE  FOR  THEE 
‘ 4  Thy  life  was  given  for  me, 

Thy  blood,  O  Lord,  was  shed, 

That  I  might  ransomed  be, 

And  quickened  from  the  dead : 

Thy  life  was  given  for  me ; 

What  have  I  given  for  Thee  ?  ’  ’ 


June  9. 

Strength  and  courage  in  divine  service  guaran¬ 
tee  the  personal  presence  of  God . 

Have  not  I  commanded  thee?  Be  strong  and 
of  a  good  courage ;  he  not  afraid,  neither  be  thou 
dismayed :  for  the  Lord  thy  Glod  is  with  thee 
whithersoever  thou  goest. — Joshua  1 :  9. 

JESUS,  STILL  LEAD  ON 
1 1 J esus,  still  lead  on, 

Till  our  rest  be  won ; 

And,  although  the  way  be  cheerless, 

We  will  follow,  calm  and  fearless: 

Guide  us  by  Thy  hand 
To  our  Fatherland.  ’  ’ 


90 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


June  10* 

We  should  rally  round  God’s  servants  in  their 
testing  time .  Human  hearts  ever  cry  to  those 
they  love ,  “  Come  near  me.” 

And  Eli jali  said  unto  all  the  people,  Come 
near  unto  me.  And  all  the  people  came  near 
unto  him. — 1  Kings  18 :  30. 

DRAW  NIGH ,  DRAW  NIGH ,  EMMANUEL 
‘ 4 Draw  nigh,  0  Jesse’s  Rod,  draw  nigh, 

To  free  us  from  the  enemy; 

Prom  hell ’s  abyss  Thy  people  save, 

And  give  us  victory  o’er  the  grave. 
Rejoice!  Rejoice!  Emmanuel 
Shall  come  to  thee,  0  Israel.  ’  ’ 


June  11. 

Rootless  Christians  are  fruitless  Christians. 

They  on  the  rock  are  they,  which,  when  they 
hear,  receive  the  word  with  joy;  and  these  have 
no  root,  which  for  a  while  believe,  and  in  time 
of  temptation  fall  away. — Luke  8 : 13. 

O  FOR  A  CLOSER  WALK  WITH  GOD 
“So  shall  my  walk  be  close  with  God, 

Calm  and  serene  my  frame ; 

So  purer  light  shall  mark  the  road 
That  leads  me  to  the  Lamb.” 


June  12. 

Diligence ,  enthusiasm,  devotion,  joy,  patience 
and  prayer  are  companions. 

Kot  slothful  in  business;  fervent  in  spirit; 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


91 


serving  the  Lord ;  rejoicing  in  hope,  patient  in 
tribulation  ;  continuing  instant  in  prayer. 

— Romans  12 : 11,  12. 

IN  THE  CROSS  OF  CHRIST  I  GLORY 
‘ ‘Bane  and  blessing,  pain  and  pleasure, 

By  the  Cross  are  sanctified ; 

Peace  is  there  that  knows  no  measure, 

Joys  that  through  all  time  abide.” 


June  13* 

Only  God’s  complete  armoury  plus  prayer,  can 
stand  the  test  of  Satan’s  wiles . 

Put  on  the  whole  armour  of  God,  that  ye  may 
be  able  to  stand  against  the  wiles  of  the  devil. 

— Ephesians  6 : 11. 

LEAD  ON ,  O  KING  ETERNAL 
“Lead  on,  O  King  Eternal, 

The  day  of  march  has  come ; 

Henceforth  in  fields  of  conquest 
Thy  tents  shall  be  our  home : 

Through  days  of  preparation 
Thy  grace  has  made  us  strong, 

And  now,  O  King  Eternal, 

We  lift  our  battle-song.” 


June  14* 

Darkness  causes  no  stumbling  where  there  is 
the  clear  light  of  a  good  conscience. 

But  the  path  of  the  just  is  as  the  shining 
light,  that  shineth  more  and  more  unto  the  per¬ 
fect  day. — Proverbs  4 : 18. 


92 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


WALK  IN  THE  LIGHT 
“Walk  in  the  light!  and  thine  shall  be 
Thy  path,  though  thorny,  bright, 

For  God  by  grace  shall  dwell  in  thee, 
And  God  Himself  is  Light.  ’  ’ 


June  15* 

Filial  obedience  has  its  reward  in  promised 
longevity,  and  inner  peace . 

Children,  obey  your  parents  in  the  Lord :  for 
this  is  right.  Honour  thy  father  and  mother; 
which  is  the  first  commandment  with  promise. 

— Ephesians  6 : 1,  2. 

ONCE  IN  ROYAL  DAVID’S  CITY 
1 1  And  through  all  His  wondrous  childhood 
He  would  honour  and  obey, 

Love  and  watch  the  lowly  maiden 
In  whose  gentle  arms  He  lay ; 

Christian  children  all  must  be 
Mild,  obedient,  good  as  He.” 


June  16* 

A  man  of  fearless  integrity  and  courage  caused 
a  king  and  kingdom  to  honour  his  God. 

Then  King  Darius  wrote  .  .  .  the  God  of 

Daniel  is  the  living  God,  and  stedfast  forever, 
and  his  kingdom  that  which  shall  not  be  de¬ 
stroyed,  and  his  dominion  shall  be  even  unto  the 
end.  He  delivereth  and  rescueth,  and  he  work- 
eth  signs  and  wonders  in  heaven  and  in  earth, 
who  hath  delivered  Daniel  from  the  power  of 
the  lions. — Daniel  6 :  25,  26,  27. 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


93 


DARE  TO  BE  A  DANIEL 
“Standing  by  a  purpose  true, 
Heeding  God’s  command, 
Honour  them,  the  faithful  few ! 
All  hail  to  Daniel ’s  band ! 

Dare  to  be  a  Daniel, 

Dare  to  stand  alone ! 

Dare  to  have  a  purpose  firm ! 
Dare  to  make  it  known ! 9  9 


June  17* 

As  care  of  the  'physical  heart  sustains  life,  so 
the  seat  of  our  affection  must  he  kept . 

Keep  thy  heart  with  all  diligence ;  for  out  of 
it  are  the  issues  of  life. — Proverbs  4 :  23. 

CALL  JEHOVAH  THY  SALVATION 
‘  ‘  Since,  with  pure  and  firm  affection 
Thou  on  God  hast  set  thy  love, 

With  the  wings  of  His  protection 
He  will  shield  thee  from  above : 

Thou  shalt  call  on  Him  in  trouble, 

He  will  hearken,  He  will  save ; 

Here  for  grief  reward  thee  double, 

Crown  with  life  beyond  the  grave/ 9 


June  IS ♦ 

“  Thou  God  seest  me  is  a  searching  truth . 
God’s  ex-ray  is  never  exhibited  to  the  public . 

But  the  Lord  said  unto  Samuel,  Look  not  on 
his  countenance,  or  on  the  height  of  his  stature ; 
because  I  have  refused  him :  for  the  Lord  seeth 


94 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


not  as  a  man  seetli ;  for  man  looketh  on  the  out¬ 
ward  appearance,  but  the  Lord  looketh  on  the 
heart, — 1  Samuel  1G :  7. 

OUR  blest  redeemer 

‘ 1  Spirit  of  purity  and  grace ! 

Our  weakness,  pitying,  see ; 

O  make  our  hearts  Thy  dwelling-place, 

And  worthier  Thee.” 


June  19* 

Pure  living  gives  vistas  to  God  amid  the  clouds 
of  every-day  life . 

Blessed  are  the  pure  in  heart :  for  they  shall 
see  God. — Matthew  5 :  8. 

JESUS ,  THESE  EYES  HAVE  NEVER  SEEN 
“Like  some  bright  dream  that  comes  unsought, 
When  slumbers  o’er  me  roll, 

Thine  image  ever  fills  my  thought, 

And  charms  my  ravished  soul.” 


June  20. 

No  one  really  knows  us  hut  God.  He  knows 
not  only  our  deeds  hut  the  thoughts  which 
initiate  them. 

O  Lord,  thou  hast  searched  me,  and  known 
me.  Thou  lmowest  my  down-sitting  and  mine 
uprising.  Thou  understandest  my  thought 
afar  oft. — Psalm  139 : 1,  2. 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


95 


/  COULD  NOT  DO  WITHOUT  THEE 
“I  could  not  do  without  Thee, 

I  cannot  stand  alone, 

I  have  no  strength  or  goodness, 

No  wisdom  of  my  own; 

But  Thou,  beloved  Saviour, 

Art  All  in  all  to  me, 

And  perfect  strength  in  weakness 
Is  theirs  who  lean  on  thee.” 

June  21. 

If  we  would  follow  the  ancient  adage  “Know 
thyself  ”  we  must  he  students  of  God’s  Word . 

For  the  word  of  God  is  quick,  and  powerful, 
and  sharper  than  any  two-edged  sword,  piercing 
even  to  the  dividing  asunder  of  soul  and  spirit, 
and  of  the  joints  and  marrow,  and  is  a  discerner 
of  the  thoughts,  and  intents  of  the  heart. 

— Hebrews  4 : 12. 

THE  SPIRIT  BREATHES  UPON  THE  WORD 
i  t  The  Spirit  breathes  upon  the  word, 

And  brings  the  truth  to  sight ; 

Precepts  and  promises  afford 
A  sanctifying  light. 9  9 

June  22. 

Human  prayer  is  a  silent  unknown  strength  in 
many  a  dark  struggle  with  sin.  How  much 
more  is  divine  intercession  responsible  for 
victory ? 

And  he  that  searcheth  the  hearts  knoweth 
what  is  the  mind  of  the  Spirit,  because  he 
maketh  intercession  for  the  saints  according  to 
the  will  of  God. — Romans  8 : 27. 


96 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


O  JESUS,  THOU  ART  STANDING 
“ O  Jesus,  Thou  art  pleading, 

In  accents  meek  and  low, — 

‘  I  died  for  you,  My  children, 

And  will  ye  treat  Me  so  ? 5 
O  Lord,  with  shame  and  sorrow 
We  open  now  the  door ; 

Dear  Saviour,  enter,  enter, 

And  leave  us  nevermore ! ’  9 

June  23. 

The  open  confession  of  Jesus  Christ  is  a  testi¬ 
mony  to  others  and  a  safeguard  for  self. 

And  ye  shall  be  hated  of  all  men  for  my 
name’s  sake:  but  he  that  endureth  to  the  end 
shall  be  saved. — Matthew  10  : 22. 

NOW  JUST  A  WORD  FOR  JESUS 
“Now  just  a  word  for  Jesus ; 

Your  dearest  Friend  so  true, 

Come,  cheer  our  hearts  and  tell  us 
What  He  has  done  for  you. 

“Now  just  a  word  for  Jesus — 

’Twill  help  us  on  our  way ; 

One  little  word  for  J esus, 

O  speak,  or  sing,  or  pray. 9  9 


June  24. 

Enrollment  on  high  seems  vague  and  mysteri¬ 
ous,  but  entering  a  child’s  name  in  college 
does  not. 

And  there  shall  in  no  wise  enter  into  it  any¬ 
thing  that  defileth,  neither  whatsoever  worketh 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


97 


abomination,  or  maketh  a  lie:  but  they  which 
are  written  in  the  Lamb’s  book  of  life. 

— Revelation  21 :  27. 

WHEN  THE  ROLE  IS  CALLED  UP  YONDER 
*  ‘When  the  trumpet  of  the  Lord  shall  sound,  and 
time  shall  be  no  more, 

And  the  morning  breaks,  eternal,  bright  and 
fair, 

"When  the  saved  of  earth  shall  gather  over  on 
the  other  shore, 

And  the  roll  is  called  up  yonder,  I  ’ll  be  there. 

1  ‘  When  the  roll  is  called  up  yonder, 

When  the  roll  is  called  up  yonder, 

When  the  roll  is  called  up  yonder, 

When  the  roll  is  called  up  yonder, 

I  ’ll  be  there.  ’  ’ 


June  25. 

Finding  one  lost  sinner  is  not  an  insignificant 
service  if  that  sinner  he  your  own  child. 

I  say  unto  you,  that  likewise  joy  shall  be  in 
heaven  over  one  sinner  that  repenteth,  more 
than  over  ninety  and  nine  just  persons,  which 
need  no  repentance. — Luke  15 :  7. 

THE  NINETY  AND  NINE 
1 1  1  Lord,  Thou  hast  here  Thy  ninety  and  nine ; 
Are  they  not  enough  for  Thee?’ 

But  the  Shepherd  made  answer :  ‘  This  of  mine 
Has  wandered  away  from  me, 

And  although  the  road  be  rough  and  steep, 

I  go  to  the  desert  to  find  my  sheep.’ ” 


98 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


June  26. 

Moon ,  the  blind  inventor  of  the  new  system  of 
writing  and  reading  for  the  blind,  thanked 
God  for  the  “  gift  of  blindness.” 

Therefore  I  take  pleasure  in  infirmities,  in 
reproaches,  in  necessities,  in  persecutions,  in 
distresses  for  Christ’s  sake:  for  when  I  am 
weak,  then  am  I  strong. — 2  Corinthians  12 : 10. 

OUR  BLEST  REDEEMER 
“And  every  virtue  we  possess, 

And  every  victory  won, 

And  every  thought  of  holiness, 

Are  His  alone.” 


June  27. 

This  world  with  all  its  sorroiv  and  pain  lasts 
but  for  a  time — then  the  Eternal  City. 

And  I  saw  a  new  heaven  and  a  new  earth. 
And  God  shall  wipe  away  all  tears  from  their 
eyes ;  and  there  shall  be  no  more  death,  neither 
sorrow,  nor  crying,  neither  shall  there  be  any 
more  pain:  for  the  former  things  are  passed 
away. — Revelation  21 : 1,  4. 

O  MOTHER  DEAR ,  JERUSALEM 
“0  Mother  dear,  Jerusalem, 

When  shall  I  come  to  thee? 

When  shall  my  sorrows  have  an  end? 

Thy  joys  when  shall  I  see? 

O  happy  harbour  of  the  saints ! 

O  sweet  and  pleasant  soil ! 

In  thee  no  sorrow  may  be  found, 

No  grief,  no  care,  no  toil.” 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


99 


June  28. 

A  sincere  prayer  for  penitence  shows  genuine - 
ness,  and  inspires  confidence  to  overcome . 

Create  in  me  a  clean  heart,  O  God ;  and  renew 
a  right  spirit  within  me.  Cast  me  not  away 
from  thy  presence ;  and  take  not  thy  holy  spirit 
from  me. — Psalm  51 : 10,  11. 

MAJESTIC  SWEETNESS 
“He  saw  me  plunged  in  deep  distress, 

He  flew  to  my  relief; 

For  me  He  bore  the  shameful  cross, 

And  carried  all  my  grief.’ * 

June  29. 

There  is  nothing  in  human  experience  that 
glorifies  God  more  than  a  consistent  life. 

Having  your  conversation  honest  among  the 
Gentiles :  that  whereas  they  speak  against  you 
as  evil-doers,  they  may  by  your  good  works, 
which  they  shall  behold,  glorify  God  in  the  day 
of  visitation. — 1  Peter  2 : 12. 

O  FOR  A  HEART  TO  PRAISE  MY  GOD 
“A  humble,  lowly,  contrite  heart, 

Believing,  true,  and  clean, 

Which  neither  life  nor  death  can  part 
From  Him  that  dwells  within. 9  9 

June  30. 

The  praying  life  cannot  he  an  anxious  life. 
Patience  in  prayer  means  a  trustful  soul . 

Be  careful  for  nothing ;  but  in  everything  by 


100 


TO  STAKT  THE  DAY 


prayer  and  supplication  with  thanksgiving  let 
your  requests  be  made  known  unto  God. 

— Philippians  4 :  6. 

SPIRIT  OF  GOD 

“Hast  Thou  not  bid  us  love  Thee,  God  and  King? 
All,  all  Thine  own,  soul,  heart,  and  strength, 
and  mind ; 

I  see  Thy  cross — there  teach  my  heart  to  cling; 

0  let  me  seek  Thee,  and  0  let  me  find.” 


/ 


JULY 


5ul£  h 

The  telescopic  view  of  God’s  greatness  leads  us 
to  the  microscopic  detail  of  His  love. 

When  I  consider  thy  heavens,  the  work  of  thy 
fingers,  the  moon  and  the  stars,  which  thou 
hast  ordained;  what  is  man  that  thou  art  mind¬ 
ful  of  him  ?  and  the  son  of  man  that  thou  visitest 
him? — Psalm  8 :  3,  4. 

THE  SHADOWS  OF  THE  EVENING  HOURS 
1  ‘  Slowly  the  rays  of  daylight  fade ; 

So  fade  within  our  heart 

The  hopes  in  earthly  love  and  joy 

That  one  by  one  depart. 

Slowly  the  bright  stars,  one  by  one, 

Within  the  heavens  shine : — 

Give  us,  0  Lord,  fresh  hopes  in  heaven, 

And  trust  in  things  Divine.’ ’ 

3ul£  2* 

The  enemies  of  the  soul  are  the  unseen  but  fatal 
foes.  Roosevelt  said:  “  The  wild  beasts  of 
Africa  were  not  so  fatal  as  the  insects  of 
South  America ” 

And  fear  not  them  which  kill  the  body,  but 
are  not  able  to  kill  the  soul :  but  rather  fear  him 
which  is  able  to  destroy  both  soul  and  body  in 
hell. — Matthew  10 : 28. 

101 


102 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


AWAKE ,  MY  SOUL 
“He  saw  me  ruined  in  the  fall, 

Yet  loved  me  notwithstanding  all, 
And  saved  me  from  my  lost  estate, 
His  loving-kindness  is  so  great.  ’  ’ 


Snip  3* 

The  brevity  of  life  is  noted  only  when  it  is  near¬ 
ing  its  close ,  or  has  passed . 

Whereas  ye  know  not  what  shall  be  on  the 
morrow.  For  what  is  your  life?  It  is  even  a 
vapour  that  appeareth  for  a  little  time,  and 
then  vanisheth  away. — James  4 : 14. 

THE  SANDS  OF  TIME  ARE  SINKING 
“The  sands  of  time  are  sinking, 

The  dawn  of  heaven  breaks, 

The  summer  morn  I ’ve  sighed  for, 

The  fair  sweet  morn  awakes; 

Dark,  dark  hath  been  the  midnight, 

The  day-spring  is  at  hand, 

And  glory,  glory  dwelleth 
In  Emanuel’s  land.” 


Sttls  4* 

National  strength,  prosperity,  honour,  perma¬ 
nence  depend  upon  the  righteous  character  of 
the  citizen . 

Righteousness  exalteth  a  nation :  but  sin  is  a 
reproach  to  any  people. — Proverbs  14 :  34. 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


103 


MY  COUNTRY ,  *TIS  OF  THEB 
“My  country,  ?tis  of  thee, 

Sweet  land  of  liberty, 

Of  tnee  I  sing; 

Land  where  my  fathers  died, 

Land  of  the  pilgrim’s  pride, 

From  every  mountain  side 
Let  freedom  ring. 

“Our  fathers’  God,  to  Thee, 

Author  of  liberty, 

To  Thee  we  sing; 

Long  may  our  land  be  bright 
With  freedom’s  holy  light ; 

Protect  us  by  Thy  might, 

Great  God,  our  King.” 

3uh?  5* 

No  storm  can  long  disturb  the  life  nor  destroy 
the  soul  when  Christ  is  present. 

And  he  saith  unto  them,  Why  are  ye  fearful, 
O  ye  of  little  faith?  Then  he  arose  and  rebuked 
the  winds  and  the  sea;  and  there  wrns  a  great 
calm. — Matthew  8 :  2G. 

MASTER,  THE  TEMPEST  IS  RAGING 

( Chorus ) 

“The  winds  and  the  waves  shall  obey  Thy  will, 
Peace,  be  still ! 

Whether  the  wrath  of  the  storm-tossed  sea, 

Or  demons,  or  men,  or  whatever  it  be, 

No  water  can  swallow  the  ship  where  lies 
The  Master  of  ocean  and  earth  and  skies ; 
They  all  shall  sweetly  obey  Thy  will ; 

Peace,  be  still !  Peace,  be  still ! 

They  all  shall  sweetly  obey  Thy  will ; 

Peace,  peace  be  still !  ’  ’ 


104 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


The  death  of  a  Christian ,  like  the  death  of  the 
Master,  is  a  convincing  argument  of  divine 
life. 

And  when  the  centurion,  which  stood  over 
against  him,  saw  that  he  so  cried  out,  and  gave 
up  the  ghost,  he  said,  Truly,  this  man  was  the 
Son  of  God. — Mark  15 :  39. 

WHEN  I  SURVEY  THE  WONDROUS  CROSS 
‘  ‘  See,  from  His  head,  His  hands,  His  feet, 
Sorrow  and  love  flow  mingled  down  : 

Did  e’er  such  love  and  sorrow  meet, 

Or  thorns  compose  so  rich  a  crown  ?  *  9 


5ulp  7* 

If  you  are  angry  say  it  over  to  yourself  before 
you  speak  to  another.  Write  your  letter,  if 
necessary,  but  do  not  mail  it. 

A  soft  answer  turneth  away  wrath :  hut  griev¬ 
ous  words  stir  up  anger. — Proverbs  15 : 1. 

SCORN  NOT  THE  SLIGHTEST  WORD  OR  DEED 
“A  whispered  word  may  touch  the  heart, 

And  call  it  back  to  life ; 

A  look  of  love  bid  sin  depart, 

And  still  unholy  strife.” 

Julp  8* 

A  covenant  of  peace  and  safety  is  insured  to 
those  who  turn  from  sin  to  God. 

And  I  wall  make  with  them  a  covenant  of 
peace,  and  will  cause  the  evil  beasts  to  cease  out 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


105 


of  the  land :  and  they  shall  dwell  safely  in  the 
wilderness,  and  sleep  in  the  woods. 

— Ezekiel  34 : 25. 

SWEET  PEACE ,  THE  GIFT  OF  GOD’S  LOVE 
‘ 1  In  J esus  for  peace  I  abide, 

And  as  I  keep  close  to  His  side, 

There’s  nothing  but  peace  doth  betide, 
Sweet  peace,  the  gift  of  God’s  love.” 


3ul$  9* 

When  Christ  is  the  door ,  souls  go  in  to  find 
shelter  and  out  to  find  pasture .  Salvation 
and  nurture  go  together . 

I  am  the  door :  by  me  if  any  man  enter  in,  he 
shall  be  saved,  and  shall  go  in  and  out,  and 
find  pasture. — John  10 :  9. 

BEHOLD!  A  STRANGER’S  AT  THE  DOOR 
“Behold!  a  Stranger’s  at  the  door; 

He  gently  knocks,  has  knocked  before ; 

Has  waited  long,  is  waiting  still ; 

You  treat  no  other  friend  so  ill.” 


10. 

The  valuable  part  of  prohibition  is  that  related 
to  a,  man’s  own  life.  A  Scotch  clergyman  has 
well  said:  “Prohibition  must  be  inhibition  if 
there  is  to  be  exhibiton.” 

Wine  is  a  mocker,  strong  drink  is  raging :  and 
whosoever  is  deceived  thereby  is  not  wise. 

— Proverbs  20 : 1. 


106 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


YIELD  NOT  TO  TEMPTATION 
(Chorus.) 

il  Ask  the  Saviour  to  help  you, 
Comfort,  strengthen  and  keep  you; 
He  is  willing  to  aid  you, 

He  will  carry  you  through.  ’  ’ 


3ulp  11. 

Paul  was  forgetting  the  good  things  behind  him 
as  he  looked  forward  to  the  better  things 
ahead! 

Brethren,  I  count  not  myself  to  have  appre¬ 
hended  :  but  this  one  thing  I  do,  forgetting  those 
things  which  are  behind,  and  reaching  forth 
unto  those  things  which  are  before. 

— Philippians  3 : 13, 14. 

WHEN  THE  DAY  OF  TOIL  IS  DONE 
1  ‘  When  for  vanished  days  we  yearn, 

Days  that  never  can  return, 

Teach  us  in  Thy  love  to  learn 
Love  for  evermore.  ” 


Jnip  12. 

God  could  accomplish  His  tasks  by  supernat¬ 
ural  means ,  but  He  chose  to  use  men  and 
women  to  do  His  work . 

And  ye  my  flock,  the  flock  of  my  pasture,  are 
men,  and  I  am  your  God,  saith  the  Lord  God. 

— Ezekiel  34 : 31. 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


107 


JESUS,  MY  LORD ,  MY  GOD 
“Jesus,  what  didst  Thou  find  in  me 
That  Thou  hast  dealt  so  lovingly  ? 

How  great  tne  joy  that  Thou  hast  brought, 
So  far  exceeding  hope  or  thought ! 

J esus,  my  Lord,  I  Thee  adore ; 

0  make  me  love  Thee  more  and  more.  ’  ’ 


JUlp  13. 

Jesu $  was  tempted  by  appetite,  by  ambition 
and  by  possession . 

Then  saith  Jesus  unto  him,  Get  thee  hence, 
Satan:  for  it  is  written,  Thou  shaft  worship 
the  Lord  thy  God,  and  him  only  shaft  thou 
serve.  Then  the  devif  feaveth  him,  and,  behold, 
angels  came  and  ministered  unto  him. 

— Matthew  4 : 10, 11. 

MY  DEAR  REDEEMER  AND  MY  LORD 
“Cold  mountains  and  the  midnight  air 
Witnessed  the  fervour  of  Thy  prayer; 

The  desert  Thy  temptations  knew, 

Thy  conflict  and  Thy  victory  too.  ’  ’ 


JUip  14. 

Love  to  God  means  satisfactory  human  adjust¬ 
ment.  Life  develops  aright  for  the  obedient. 

And  we  know  that  all  things  work  together 
for  good  to  them  that  love  God,  to  them  who  are 
the  called  according  to  his  purpose. 

— Romans  8 : 28. 


108 


TO  STAET  THE  DAY 


IN  HEAVENLY  LOVE  ABIDING 
i  1  In  heavenly  love  abiding, 

No  change  my  heart  shall  fear, 
And  safe  is  such  confiding, 

For  nothing  changes  here : 

The  storm  may  roar  without  me, 
My  heart  may  low  be  laid, 

But  God  is  round  about  me, 
And  can  I  be  dismayed  ?  ’  * 


5ulp  15* 

The  revision  reads:  “Ye  shall  win  your  lives” 
Quiet,  confident  trust  in  God  wins  life  here 
and  now . 

For  thus  saith  the  Lord  God,  the  Holy  One 
of  Israel:  In  returning  and  rest  shall  ye  be 
saved;  in  quietness  and  in  confidence  shall  be 
your  strength :  and  ye  would  not. 

— Isaiah  30 : 15. 

DEAR  LORD  AND  FATHER  OF  MANKIND 
“Drop  Thy  still  dews  of  quietness, 

Till  all  our  strivings  cease : 

Take  from  our  souls  the  strain  and  stress, 

And  let  our  ordered  lives  confess 
The  beauty  of  Thy  peace.  ’  ’ 


$Ul£  16. 

When  men  see  Jesus  as  the  Lamb  of  God  (His 
sacrifice  for  sin)  they  will  follow  Him. 

And  looking  upon  Jesus  as  he  walked,  he 
saith,  Behold,  the  Lamb  of  God !  And  the  two 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


109 


disciples  heard  him  speak,  and  they  followed 
Jesus. — John  1:36-37. 

BEHOLD ,  THE  MASTER  PASSETH  BY. 
i  ‘  That  t  Follow  Me  ’  his  faithful  ear 
Seemed  every  day  afresh  to  hear: 

Its  echoes  stirred  his  spirit  still, 

And  fired  his  hope,  and  nerved  his  will.” 


3ul£  17* 

Over  one  of  the  great  university  halls  hangs  this 
motto:  “  The  truth  shall  make  you  free” 
Jesus  said:  “I  am  the  truth ” 

And  ye  shall  know  the  truth,  and  the  truth 
shall  make  you  free. — John  8 :  32. 

THOU  ART  THE  WAY 
“Thou  art  the  Truth:  Thy  word  alone 
True  wisdom  can  impart ; 

Thou  only  canst  inform  the  mind, 

And  purify  the  heart.’ ’ 


5ul£  18. 

Submission  to  God’s  will  is  sure  to  end  in  joy. 

And  he  went  a  little  farther,  and  fell  on  his 
face,  and  prayed,  saying,  O  my  Father,  if  it  be 
possible,  let  this  cup  pass  from  me :  neverthe¬ 
less,  not  as  I  will,  but  as  thou  wilt. 

— Matthew  26 :  39. 


110 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


MY  JESUS ,  AS  THOU  WILT! 

“My  Jesus,  as  Thou  wilt! 

Though  seen  through  many  a  tear, 

Let  not  my  star  of  hope 
Grow  dim  or  disappear. 

Since  Thou  on  earth  hast  wept, 

And  sorrowed  oft  alone, 

If  I  must  weep  with  Thee, 

My  Lord,  Thy  will  be  done.  ’ 9 

JUlp  19* 

To  save  the  suffering  is  to  serve  the  Christ. 

For  I  was  an  hungered,  and  ye  gave  me  no 
meat:  I  was  thirsty  and  ye  gave  me  no  drink: 
I  was  a  stranger  and  ye  took  me  not  in :  naked, 
and  ye  clothed  me  not :  sick,  and  in  prison,  and 
ye  visited  me  not.  Inasmuch  as  ye  did  it  not  to 
one  of  the  least  of  these,  ye  did  it  not  to  me. 

— Matthew  25 :  42,  43,  45. 

MASTER,  NO  OFFERING 
“Some  word  of  hope,  for  hearts  burdened  with 
fears, 

Some  balm  of  peace  for  eyes  blinded  with  tears, 
Some  dews  of  mercy  shed,  some  wayward  foot¬ 
steps  led, 

Dear  Lord,  to  Thee.” 

5ul£  20. 

The  element  in  Christian  character  most  needed 
in  a  day  of  fluctuation  is  steadfastness. 

Stand  fast  therefore  in  the  liberty  wherewith 
Christ  hath  made  us  free,  and  be  not  entangled 
again  with  the  yoke  of  bondage. 

— Galatians  5 : 1. 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


111 


STAND  UPt  STAND  UP  FOR  JESUS 
i  ‘  Stand  up,  stand  up  for  Jesus, 

Ye  soldiers  of  the  cross; 

Lift  high  His  royal  banner, 

It  must  not  suffer  loss : 

From  victory  unto  victory 
His  army  He  shall  lead, 

Till  every  foe  is  vanquished, 

And  Christ  is  Lord  indeed.  ’  ’ 


3ttl£  21. 

A  world-cry  is  the  challenge  of  Christ  to  His 
Church. 

Teaching  them  to  observe  all  things  whatso¬ 
ever  I  have  commanded  you :  and  lo,  I  am  with 
you  alway,  even  unto  the  end  of  the  world. 

— Matthew  28 : 20. 

FROM  GREENLAND’S  ICY  MOUNTAINS 
1  ‘  Can  we,  whose  souls  are  lighted 
With  wisdom  from  on  high, 

Can  we  to  men  benighted 
The  lamp  of  life  deny?” 


5lll£  22. 

We  can  never  run  away  from  God’s  command . 
Obedience  leads  into  strength ,  confidence  and 
blessing. 

Arise,  go  into  Nineveh,  that  great  city,  and 
preach  unto  it  the  preaching  that  I  bid  thee. 
So  Jonah  arose  and  went  unto  Nineveh,  accord¬ 
ing  to  the  word  of  the  Lord. — Jonah  3:2,  3. 


112 


TO  STAET  THE  DAY 


MY  JESUS ,  AS  THOU  WILT 
‘‘My  Jesus,  as  Thou  wilt! 

O  may  Thy  will  be  mine, 

Into  Thy  hand  of  love 
I  would  my  all  resign. 

Through  sorrow,  or  through  joy, 
Conduct  me  as  Thine  own ; 

And  help  me  still  to  say, 

My  Lord,  Thy  will  be  done.” 


3ul£  23* 

The  old  Scotchman  dying  said:  “It  is  not  the 
valley  of  death  but  only  the  valley  of  the 
shadow  of  death  ” 

Yea,  though  I  walk  through  the  valley  of  the 
shadow  of  death,  I  will  fear  no  evil:  for  thou 
art  with  me ;  thy  rod  and  thy  staff  they  comfort 
me. — Psalm  23 :  4. 

PEACE,  PERFECT  PEACE 
“Peace,  perfect  peace,  death  shadowing  us  and 
ours  ? 

Jesus  has  vanquished  death  and  all  its  powers. 

“It  is  enough:  earth’s  struggles  soon  shall  cease, 
And  Jesus  call  us  to  heaven’s  perfect  peace.” 


Jul£  24* 

God  reveals  His  greatness  in  little  things  and 
shows  His  honour  toward  men  in  working 
through  ordinary  beings . 

But  God  hath  chosen  the  foolish  things  of  the 
world  to  confound  the  wise;  and  God  hath 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


113 


chosen  the  weak  things  of  the  world  to  confound 
the  things  which  are  mighty ;  and  base  things  of 
the  world,  and  things  which  are  despised,  hath 
God  chosen,  yea,  and  things  which  are  not,  to 
bring  to  nought  things  that  are:  that  no  flesh 
should  glory  in  his  presence. 

— 1  Corinthians  1 : 27,  28,  29. 

SAVIOUR ,  THY  DYING  LOVE 
“Give  me  a  faithful  heart, 

Guided  by  Thee, 

That  each  departing  day 
Henceforth  may  see 
Some  work  of  love  begun, 

Some  deed  of  kindness  done, 

Some  wanderer  sought  and  won, 
Something  for  Thee.  ’  ’ 


3ul£  25. 

The  grace  of  God  is  not  a  quality  to  he  admired 
hut  a  power  to  he  exercised . 

For  by  grace  are  ye  saved  through  faith ;  and 
that  not  of  yourselves :  it  is  the  gift  of  God :  not 
of  works,  lest  any  man  should  boast. 

— Ephesians  2 : 8,  9. 

SAVED  BY  GRACE 
*  ‘  Some  day  my  earthly  house  will  fall, 

I  cannot  tell  how  soon  Twill  be, 

But  this  I  know — my  All  in  all 
Has  now  a  place  in  Heav’n  for  me. 

“And  I  shall  see  Him  face  to  face, 

And  tell  the  story  saved  by  grace.” 


114 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


3nlv  26* 

God’s  law  is  “  Use  or  lose  ”  Idleness  means 
; paralysis . 

His  lord  said  unto  Rim,  Well  done,  tliou  good 
and  faithful  servant:  tliou  hast  been  faithful 
over  a  few  things,  I  will  make  thee  ruler  over 
many  things :  enter  thou  into  the  joy  of  thy 
lord. — Matthew  25 : 21. 

O  GOD,  WHO  WORKBST  HITHERTO 
“0  God,  who  workest  hitherto, 

Working  in  all  we  see, 

Fain  would  we  be,  and  bear,  and  do, 

As  best  it  pleaseth  Thee.” 


SulB  27* 

To  bear  false  accusations  patiently  shows  the 
Christ  spirit ,  and  establishes  confidence . 

Blessed  are  ye,  when  men  shall  revile  you, 
and  persecute  you,  and  shall  say  all  manner 
of  evil  against  you  falsely,  for  my  sake.  Re¬ 
joice,  and  be  exceeding  glad :  for  great  is  your 
reward  in  heaven:  for  so  persecuted  they  the 
prophets  which  were  before  you. 

— Matthew  5 : 11, 12. 

O  HOLY  SAVIOUR,  FRIEND  UNSEEN 
“What  though  the  world  deceitful  prove, 

And  earthly  friends  and  joys  remove, 

With  patient,  uncomplaining  love 
Still  would  I  cling  to  Thee.  ’ 9 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


115 


5llip  2 S. 

The  Bible  is  the  best  daily  guide  the  soul  has 
ever  known . 

So  shall  my  word  be  that  goeth  forth  out  of 
my  mouth:  it  shall  not  return  unto  me  void, 
but  it  shall  accomplish  that  which  I  please,  and 
it  shall  prosper  in  the  thing  whereto  I  sent  it. 

— Isaiah  55 : 11. 

THE  ANVIL 

‘  ‘  I  stood  one  eve  beside  a  blacksmith ’s  door 
And  heard  the  anvil  ring  the  vesper’s  chime; 
Then  looking  in,  I  saw  upon  the  floor, 

Old  hammers  worn  with  beating  years  of  time. 

<  ‘  ‘  How  many  anvils  have  you  had, 9  said  I, 

‘  To  wear  and  batter  all  the  hammers  so  ?  ’ 

‘  Just  one, 9  he  said :  then  said  with,  twinkling  eye, 
i  The  anvil  wears  the  hammers  out,  you  know. 9 

“And  so  I  thought  the  anvil  of  God’s  word 
For  ages  sceptic  blows  have  beat  upon, 

And  though  the  noise  of  falling  blows  was 
heard, 

The  anvil  is  unharmed,  the  hammers  gone.” 


SJul £  29. 

Great  opportunities  compel  great  responsibili¬ 
ties.  We  should  pray  to  be  as  big  as  our 
problems. 

For  if  thou  altogether  holdest  thy  peace  at 
this  time,  then  shall  there  enlargement  and  de¬ 
liverance  arise  to  the  Jews  from  another  place; 


116 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


but  tbou  and  thy  father’s  house  shall  be  de¬ 
stroyed:  and  who  knoweth  whether  thou  art 
come  to  the  kingdom  for  such  a  time  as  this? 

— Esther  4 : 14. 

WE  ARE  LIVING ,  WE  ARE  DWELLING 
“We  are  living,  we  are  dwelling, 

In  a  grand  and  awful  time, 

In  an  age  on  ages  telling ; 

To  be  living  is  sublime. 

Hark,  the  waking  up  of  nations, 

Gog  and  Magog  to  the  fray ; 

Hark,  what  soundeth  ?  is  creation 
Groaning  for  its  latter  day  ?  ’  ’ 


3ul£  30. 

Peace  is  not  an  outward  condition  but  an  in¬ 
ward  state.  Divine  peace  is  not  a  temporary 
influence,  but  a  permanent  power . 

And  the  peace  of  God  which  passeth  all  un¬ 
derstanding  shall  keep  your  hearts  and  minds 
through  Christ  Jesus. — Philippians  4:7. 

THE  SHADOWS  OF  THE  EVENING  HOURS 
“Let  peace,  0  Lord,  Thy  peace,  0  God, 

Upon  our  souls  descend; 

From  midnight  fears  and  perils,  Thou 
Our  trembling  hearts  defend : 

Give  us  a  respite  from  our  toil, 

Calm  and  subdue  our  woes ; 

Through  the  long  day  we  labour,  Lord, 

0  give  us  now  repose.” 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


117 


3ul£  3L 

Sin  cannot  control  when  grace  is  allowed  to 
work . 

For  sin  shall  not  have  dominion  over  you: 
for  ye  are  not  under  the  law,  but  under  grace. 

— Romans  6 : 14. 

AWAKE ,  MY  SOUL 
“  Awake,  my  soul,  stretch  every  nerve, 

And  press  with  vigour  on ; 

A  heavenly  race  demands  thy  zeal, 

And  an  immortal  crown, 

And  an  immortal  crown.  ’ ’ 


AUGUST 


Mmmt  !♦ 

Continued  wandering  from  God  affects  the  in¬ 
clination  and  will .  Fatal  is  the  state  of  mind 
indifferent  to  God’s  very  presence . 

Behold,  thou  shaft  call  a  nation  tliat  thou 
knowest  not,  and  nations  that  knew  not  thee 
shall  run  unto  thee  because  of  the  Lord  thy  God 
and  for  the  Holy  One  of  Israel;  for  he  hath 
glorified  thee. — Isaiah  55 :  5. 

TO-DAY  THE  SAVIOUR  CALLS 
‘  ‘  The  Spirit  calls  to-day : 

Yield  to  His  power ; 

O  grieve  Him  not  away, 

His  mercy’s  hour.” 


Bnoust  2* 

The  soul  aroused  from  a  life  of  sin  is  literally 
horn  anew. 

And  you  hath  he  quickened  who  were  dead  in 
trespasses  and  sin. — Ephesians  2 : 1. 

I  HEAR  THY  WELCOME  VOICE 
“’Tis  Jesus  who  confirms 
The  blessed  work  within, 

By  adding  grace  to  welcomed  grace, 

Where  reigned  the  power  of  sin.” 

118 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


119 


Bugust  3* 

Repentance  was  the  great  theme  of  John  the 
Baptist  and  of  Christ . 

Repent  ye  therefore,  and  be  converted,  that 
your  sins  may  be  blotted  out,  when  the  times  of 
refreshing  shall  come  from  the  presence  of  the 
Lord. — -Acts  3 : 19. 

RESCUE  THE  PERISHING 
“Though  they  are  slighting  Him,  still  He  is 
waiting, 

Waiting  the  penitent  child  to  receive: 

Plead  with  them  earnestly,  plead  with  them 
gently ; 

He  will  forgive  if  they  only  believe.  ’  ’ 


Bugust  4* 

The  missionaries  in  foreign  lands  are  learning 
and  teaching  the  unity  of  faith  in  Christ. 

Till  we  all  come  in  the  unity  of  the  faith,  and 
of  the  knowledge  of  the  Son  of  God,  unto  a 
perfect  man,  unto  the  measure  of  the  stature  of 
the  fulness  of  Christ. — Ephesians  4 : 13. 

THE  CHURCH’S  ONE  FOUNDATION 
“Elect  from  every  nation, 

Yet  one  o’er  all  the  earth, 

Her  charter  of  salvation 
One  Lord,  one  faith,  one  birth ; 

One  holy  Name  she  blesses, 

Partakes  one  holy  food, 

And  to  one  hope  she  presses, 

With  every  grace  endued.” 


120 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


Bugust  5. 

Strength  in  time  of  temptation  is  assured  by  the 
consciousness  of  Christ’s  sympathy  and  pres - 
ence . 

For  in  that  lie  himself  hath  suffered  being 
tempted,  he  is  able  to  succour  them  that  are 
tempted. — Hebrews  2 : 18. 

FATHER ,  LEAD  ME  DAY  BY  DAY. 
i  ‘  When  I ’m  tempted  to  do  wrong 
Make  me  steadfast,  wise  and  strong; 

And  when  all  alone  I  stand, 

Shield  me  with  Thy  mighty  hand.” 


Bugust  6* 

The  love  and  loyalty  of  Christians  one  to  an¬ 
other  will  attract  the  attention  and  win  the 
approval  of  the  ivorld . 

If  I  then,  your  Lord  and  Master,  have  washed 
your  feet;  ye  also  ought  to  wash  one  another’s 
feet.  For  I  have  given  you  an  example,  that  ye 
should  do  as  I  have  done  to  you. 

— John  13 : 14, 15. 

BLEST  BE  THE  TIE  THAT  BINDS 
“  Blest  he  the  tie  that  binds 
Our  hearts  in  Christian  love : 

The  fellowship  of  kindred  minds 
Is  like  to  that  above.” 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


121 


HUQUSt  7* 

The  subtlety  of  a  bitter  thought  may  sour  the 
life  and  lead  to  endless  worry  and  trouble . 

Looking  diligently  lest  any  man  fail  of  the 
grace  of  God ;  lest  any  root  of  bitterness  spring¬ 
ing  up  trouble  you,  and  thereby  many  be  de¬ 
filed. — Hebrews  12 : 15. 

EVEN  ME 

*  1  Have  I  long  in  sin  been  sleeping, 

Long  been  slighting,  grieving  Thee  ? 

Has  the  world  my  heart  been  keeping  ? 

0  forgive  and  rescue  me. J  ’ 


Bucjust  8* 

The  longing  soul  is  promised  satisfaction.  The 
craving  for  Christ  means  the  infilling  of  his 
life. 

Blessed  are  they  which  do  hunger  and  thirst 
after  righteousness :  for  they  shall  be  filled. 

— Matthew  5 :  6 

I  LOVE  TO  TELL  THE  STORY 
i  ‘  I  love  to  tell  the  story 
Of  unseen  things  above, 

Of  Jesus  and  His  glory, 

Of  Jesus  and  His  love. 

I  love  to  tell  the  story, 

Because  I  know  it ’s  true ; 

It  satisfies  my  longings 
As  nothing  else  could  do.  ’ 9 


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BllGUSt  9. 

A  willingness  to  go  where  and  do  whatever  God 
suggests  never  leads  any  one  astray. 

And  they  answered  Joshua  saying,  All  that 
thou  commandest  us  we  will  do,  and  whitherso¬ 
ever  thou  sendest  us,  we  will  go. — Joshua  1 : 16. 

I’LL  GO  WHERE  YOU  WANT  ME  TO  GO 
“I’ll  go  where  you  want  me  to  go,  dear  Lord, 
Over  mountain,  or  plain,  or  sea; 

I  ’ll  say  what  you  want  me  to  say,  dear  Lord, 

I  ’ll  be  what  you  want  me  to  be.  ’  ’ 


BuGUSt  10. 

Loyally  to  God,  nation  and  home  are  ever  re¬ 
warded.  Ruth  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful 
characters  of  all  history. 

And  Ruth  said :  Intreat  me  not  to  leave  thee, 
or  to  return  from  following  after  thee:  for 
whither  thou  goest,  I  will  go ;  and  where  thou 
lodgest,  I  will  lodge:  thy  people  shall  be  my 
people,  and  thy  God  my  God. — Ruth  1 : 16. 

O  THE  BITTER  SHAME  AND  SORROW 
“Higher  than  the  highest  heavens, 

Deeper  than  the  deepest  sea, 

Lord,  Thy  love  at  last  hath  conquered ; 
Grant  me  now  my  supplication, 

6  None  of  self,  and  all  of  Thee.’  ” 

BuGust  It. 

Christ  was  made  perfect  through  suffering. 
But  the  God  of  all  grace,  who  hath  called  us 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


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unto  Ills  eternal  glory  by  Christ  Jesus,  after 
that  ye  have  suffered  a  while,  make  you  perfect, 
stablish,  strengthen,  settle  you. — 1  Peter  5 : 10. 

IMMORTAL  LOVB 
i  ‘  The  healing  of  His  seamless  dress 
Is  by  our  beds  of  pain ; 

We  touch  Him  in  life’s  throng  and  press, 
And  we  are  whole  again.” 


Bugust  12. 

Out  of  the  very  clouds  of  darkness  God’s  light 
and  voice  can  speak,  and  direct  our  lives . 

While  he  yet  spake,  behold,  a  bright  cloud 
overshadowed  them :  and  behold  a  voice  out  of 
the  cloud,  which  said,  This  is  my  beloved  Son, 
in  whom  I  am  well  pleased;  hear  ye  him. 

— -Matthew  17 : 5. 

COMB  TO  THB  LIGHT 
( Chorus ) 

“Come  to  the  light,  ?tis  shining  for  thee; 
Sweetly  the  light  hath  dawned  upon  me. 

Once  I  was  blind,  but  now  I  can  see! 

The  Light  of  the  world  is  Jesus.” 


Bugust  13. 

A  place  of  prayer  in  every  home  and  an  altar 
in  every  life  ensure  God’s  open  reward. 

But  thou,  when  thou  prayest,  enter  into  thy 
closet,  and  wThen  thou  hast  shut  thy  door,  pray 
to  thy  Father  which  is  in  secret;  and  thy  Fa- 


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TO  START  THE  DAY 


ther  which  seeth  in  secret  shall  reward  thee 
openly. — Matthew  G :  6. 

PRAYER  IS  THE  SOU  US  SINCERE  DESIRE 
“Prayer  is  the  contrite  sinner’s  voice 
Returning  from  his  ways, 

While  angels  in  their  songs  rejoice, 

And  cry,  ‘Behold,  he  prays!’  ” 


august  14. 

The  sincere  call  of  man’s  need  meets  an  imme * 
diate  answer  in  the  present  help  of  the  Lord . 

The  Lord  is  nigh  unto  all  them  that  call  upon 
him,  to  all  that  call  upon  him  in  truth. 

— Psalm  145 : 18. 


WALK  IN  THE  LIGHT 
“Walk  in  the  light :  and  thou  shalt  find 
Thy  heart  made  truly  His 
Who  dwells  in  cloudless  light  enshrined, 
In  whom  no  darkness  is.  ’ 9 


Bugust  15. 

The  heart  governs  the  mind  and  hand.  We  fol¬ 
low  our  affections. 

Set  your  affection  on  things  above,  not  on 
things  on  the  earth. — Colossians  3 : 2. 

HARK!  HARK ,  MY  SOUL ! 

“Par,  far  away,  like  bells  at  evening  pealing, 

The  voice  of  Jesus  sounds  o’er  land  and  sea; 

And  laden  souls,  by  thousands  meekly  stealing, 
Kind  Shepherd,  turn  their  weary  steps  to  Thee.” 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


125 


BU0USt  16, 

God  is  'present  just  when  and  where  we  need 

Him. 

God  is  our  refuge  and  strength,  a  very  present 
help  in  trouble. — Psalm  46 : 1. 

JESUS,  THY  NAME  I  LOVE 
1 1  When  unto  Thee  I  flee, 

Thou  wilt  my  Refuge  be, 

Jesus,  my  Lord: 

What  need  I  now  to  fear, 

What  earthly  grief  or  care, 

Since  Thou  art  ever  near? 

Jesus,  my  Lord.” 


Buoust  17* 

This  Hebrew  word  here  translated,  “  Be  still  ” 
means  “  Take  a  slack  in  the  rope.”  Tension 
of  soul  means  self-dependence.  God  says , 
Let  go,  and  Trust  Me. 

Be  still,  and  know  that  I  am  God :  I  will  be 
exalted  among  the  heathen,  I  will  be  exalted  in 
the  earth. — Psalm  46 : 10. 

SINCE  MY  FATHER’S  ARMS  SUSTAIN  ME 
‘  ‘  To  His  own  thy  Saviour  giveth 
Daily  strength; 

To  each  troubled  soul  that  liveth 
Peace  at  length : 

Weakest  lambs  have  largest  sharing 
Of  this  tender  Shepherd’s  caring; 

Ask  Him  not,  then — when  or  how — 

Only  bow.” 


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TO  START  THE  DAY 


Bugust  IS* 

The  disciple’s  duty  is  to  feed  hungry  souls  with 
God’s  food,  not  to  send  them  away . 

And  when  the  day  began  to  wear  away,  then 
came  the  twelve,  and  said  unto  him,  Send  the 
multitude  away,  that  they  may  go  into  the 
towns  and  country  round  about,  and  lodge,  and 
get  victuals :  for  we  are  here  in  a  desert  place. 
But  he  said  unto  them,  Give  ye  them  to  eat. 

— Luke  9 : 12,  13. 

I  LOVE  TO  TELL  THE  STORY 
‘ ‘ 1  love  to  tell  the  story ; 

For  those  who  know  it  best 
Seem  hungering  and  thirsting 
To  hear  it,  like  the  rest. 

And  when,  in  scenes  of  glory, 

I  sing  the  new,  new  song, 

’Twill  be  the  old,  old  story, 

That  I  have  loved  so  long.  ’ 9 

august  19> 

Confidence  is  shown  in  time  of  trial,  not  when 
all  goes  well. 

But  he  knoweth  the  wav  that  I  take :  when  he 
hath  tried  me,  I  shall  come  forth  as  gold. 

^  — Job  23 : 10. 

IN  THE  HOUR  OF  TRIAL 
1 1  If  with  sore  affliction 
Thou  in  love  chastise, 

Pour  Thy  benediction 
On  the  sacrifice;. 

Then,  upon  Thine  altar 
Freely  offered  up, 

Though  the  flesh  may  falter, 

Faith  shall  drink  the  cup. 9  7 


TO  STAKT  THE  DAY 


127 


august  20. 

The  standard  of  life  and  character  should  be 
higher  for  the  Christian  than  for  any  one 
else  in  the  world. 

And  the  very  God  of  peace  sanctify  you 
wholly;  and  I  pray  God  your  whole  spirit  and 
soul  and  body  be  preserved  blameless  unto  the 
coming  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

— 1  Thessalonians  5 : 23. 

HOLY ,  HOLY,  HOLY! 

“Holy,  Holy,  Holy!  Though  the  darkness  hide 
Thee, 

Tho’  the  eye  of  sinful  man  Thy  glory  may  not 
see, 

Only  Thou  art  holy ;  there  is  none  beside  Thee 
Perfect  in  power,  in  love,  and  purity. 9  ’ 

BUGUSt  2L 

The  control  of  the  tongue  is  greater  than  superb 
rhetoric  or  impassioned  eloquence . 

Whoso  keepeth  his  mouth  and  his  tongue 
keepeth  his  soul  from  troubles. 

— Proverbs  21 :  23. 

LORD,  SPEAK  TO  ME 
“0  teach  me,  Lord,  that  I  may  teach 
The  precious  things  Thou  dost  impart; 

And  wing  my  words,  that  they  may  reach 
The  hidden  depths  of  many  a  heart.’ 1 

august  22 ♦ 

We  a/re  never  strong  when  we  feel  our  strength ,  . 
but  when  we  know  our  weakness . 

And  he  said  unto  me,  My  grace  is  sufficient 


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for  thee:  for  my  strength  is  made  perfect  in 
weakness.  Most  gladly  therefore  will  I  rather 
glory  in  my  infirmities,  that  the  power  of  Christ 
may  rest  upon  me. — 2  Corinthians  12:9. 

BENEATH  THE  CROSS  OF  JESUS 
“Upon  the  cross  of  Jesus, 

Mine  eye  at  times  can  see 
The  very  dying  form  of  One 
Who  suffered  there  for  me : 

And  from  my  stricken  heart  with  tears 
Two  wonders  I  confess, — 

The  wonders  of  redeeming  love 
And  my  own  worthlessness.  ’  ’ 


Hugust  23* 

Living  complacently  amid  evil  conditions  soon 
dulls  the  sensibilities  to  wrong. 

But  if  ye  will  not  drive  out  the  inhabitants 
of  the  land  from  before  you ;  then  it  shall  come 
to  pass,  that  those  which  ye  let  remain  of  them 
shall  be  pricks  in  your  eyes,  and  thorns  in  your 
sides,  and  shall  vex  you  in  the  land  wherein  ye 
dwell. — Numbers  33 :  55. 

ONWARD,  CHRISTIAN  SOLDIERS. 

“At  the  sign  of  triumph 
Satan’s  host  doth  flee; 

On  then,  Christian  soldiers, 

On  to  victory! 

Hell ’s  foundations  quiver 
At  the  shout  of  praise; 

Brothers,  lift  your  voices, 

Loud  your  anthems  raise !” 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


129 


BugilSt  24* 

The  abundant  life  is  Christ’s  ideal  for  all  who 
follow  Him.  The  good  and  the  better  are 
enemies  of  the  best. 

The  thief  cometh  not,  but  for  to  steal,  and  to 
kill,  and  to  destroy :  I  am  come  that  they  might 
have  life,  and  that  they  might  have  it  more 
abundantly. — John  10 : 10. 

JESUS ,  I  LIVE  TO  THEE 
1  ‘  Living  or  dying,  Lord, 

I  ask  but  to  be  Thine ; 

My  life  in  Thee,  Thy  life  in  me, 

Makes  heaven  forever  mine.  ’ y 

Buoust  25. 

How  little  we  know  the  future.  “  The  present 
is  the  past  of  our  future.” 

Boast  not  thyself  of  to-morrow;  for  thou 
knowest  not  what  a  day  may  bring  forth. 

— Proverbs  27 : 1. 

PEACE ,  PERFECT  PEACE 
“ Peace,  perfect  peace,  our  future  all  unknown? 
Jesus  we  know,  and  He  is  on  the  throne.” 

BllOUSt  26. 

Confident  prayer  gives  assurance.  Christ 
granted  the  petitions  of  those  who  had  cour¬ 
age. 

Let  us  therefore  come  boldly  unto  the  throne 
of  grace,  that  we  may  obtain  mercy,  and  find 
grace  to  help  in  time  of  need. 


Hebrews  4 : 16. 


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TO  START  THE  DAY 


PRAY  HR  IS  THE  SOUL’S  SINCERE  DESIRE 
‘  1  0  Thou  by  whom  w©  come  to  God, 

The  Life,  the  Truth,  the  Way, 

The  path  of  prayer  Thyself  hast  trod ; 
Lord,  teach  us  how  to  pray.  ’  ' 


Bucjust  27. 

The  soul’s  vision  is  the  all  important  view. 

While  we  look  not  at  the  things  which  are 
seen,  hut  at  the  things  which  are  not  seen :  for 
the  things  which  are  seen  are  temporal ;  but  the 
things  which  are  not  seen  are  eternal. 

— 2  Corinthians  4 : 18. 

JESUS,  THESE  EYES  HAVE  NEVER  SEEN 
i  ‘  I  see  Thee  not,  I  hear  Thee  not, 

Yet  art  Thou  oft  with  me ; 

And  earth  hath  ne  ’er  so  dear  a  spot 
As  where  I  meet  with  Thee.  ’ ? 


Bugust  28. 

Just  as  the  sun  is  the  source  of  all  light  and 
warmth,  Christ  is  the  source  of  all  our  light 
and  love . 

I  am  the  light  of  the  world :  he  that  followeth 
me  shall  not  walk  in  darkness,  but  shall  have 
the  light  of  life. — John  8 : 12. 

LORD  OF  ALL  BEING 

“Lord  of  all  being;  throned  afar, 

Thy  glory  flames  from  sun  and  star ; 
Centre  and  soul  of  every  sphere, 

Yet  to  each  loving  heart  how  near!” 


TO  STAET  THE  DAY 


131 


BugilSt  29. 

. ‘Nothing  compares  in  value  with  a  godlike  in- 
herhance .  Character,  is  the  best  legacy  to 
leave  a  child . 

And  I  will  give  them  one  heart,  and  one  way, 
that  they  may  fear  me  forever,  for  the  good  of 
them,  and  of  their  children  after  them. 

— Jeremiah  32:39. 

ONCE  IN  ROYAL  DAVID’S  CITY 
“For  He  is  our  childhood’s  Pattern, 

Day  by  day  like  us  He  grew, 

He  was  little,  weak  and  helpless, 

Tears  and  smiles  like  us  He  knew : 

And  He  feeleth  for  our  sadness, 

And  He  shareth  in  our  gladness. 9  9 


Buaust  30. 

He  who  has  no  time  for  a  child’s  companionship 
and  friendship  will  find  it  difficult  to  under¬ 
stand  Christ. 

But  Jesus  said,  Suffer  little  children,  and 
forbid  them  not,  to  come  unto  me :  for  of  such 
is  the  kingdom  of  heaven. — Matthew  19 : 14. 

'AROUND  THE  THRONE  OF  GOD  IN  HEAVEN 
“Around  the  throne  of  God  in  heaven 
Thousands  of  children  stand, 

Children  whose  sins  are  all  forgiven, 

A  holy,  happy  band.” 


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TO  START  THE  DAY 


Bugnst  3U 

Shepherds  tell  us  that  the  only  sheep  who  will 
follow  a  strange  voice  are  the  sick  sheep . 

To  him  the  porter  openeth;  and  the  sheep 
hear  his  voice :  and  he  calleth  his  own  sheep  by 
name,  and  leadeth  them  out. — John  10 : 3. 

SAVIOUR,  LIKE  A  SHEPHERD  LEAD  US 
“We  are  Thine;  do  Thou  befriend  us, 

Be  the  Guardian  of  our  way; 

Keep  Thy  flock,  from  sin  defend  us, 

Seek  us  when  we  go  astray  : 

Blessed  Jesus, 

Hear  Thy  children  when  they  pray.” 


SEPTEMBER 


September  t. 

Not  what  we  have  hut  what  we  are  able  to  give 
makes  life  happy  and  useful . 

As  sorrowful,  yet  alway  rejoicing;  as  poor, 
yet  making  many  rich;  as  having  nothing,  and 
yet  possessing  all  things. — 2  Corinthians  6 : 10. 

THE  LIGHT  OF  GOD  IS  FALLING 
“The  light  of  God  is  falling 
Upon  life’s  common  way; 

The  Master’s  voice  still  calling, 
c  Come,  walk  with  Me  to-day.  ’ 

No  duty  can  seem  lowly, 

To  him  who  lives  with  Thee, 

And  all  of  life  grows  holy, 

0  Christ  of  Galilee.” 

) 

September  2 ♦ 

Long  life  is  a  joy  if  a  man’s  life  has  been  pure 
and  upright .  It  also  is  the  result  of  such 
life . 

My  son,  forget  not  my  law ;  but  let  thine  heart 
keep  my  commandments. — Proverbs  3 : 1,  2. 

133 


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TO  START  THE  DAY 


FOR  ALL  THE  SAINTS 

“Thou  wast  their  Rock,  their  Fortress  and  their 
Might ; 

Thou,  Lord,  their  Captain  in  the  well-fought 
fight; 

Thou,  in  the  darkness  drear,  their  one  true  Light.1 9 


September  3* 

An  infinite  God  defines  'patience  for  us.  Our 
own  natures  are  impatient  and  restless. 

Beloved,  be  not  ignorant  of  this  one  thing, 
that  one  day  is  with  the  Lord  as  a  thousand 
years,  and  a  thousand  years  as  one  day.  The 
Lord  is  not  slack  concerning  his  promise,  as 
some  men  count  slackness. — 2  Peter  3 :  8,  9. 

GOD  MOVES  IN  A  MYSTERIOUS  WAY 
“God  moves  in  a  mysterious  way 
His  wonders  to  perform ; 

He  plants  His  footsteps  in  the  sea, 

And  rides  upon  the  storm. 

“His  purposes  will  ripen  fast, 

Unfolding  every  hour ; 

The  bud  may  have  a  bitter  taste, 

But  sweet  will  be  the  flower.  ’ 9 


September  4* 

Short-sightedness  and  selfish  desire  are  the  fore¬ 
runners  of  wasted  life  and  ruin. 

And  Lot  lifted  up  his  eyes,  and  beheld  all  the 
plain  of  Jordan,  that  it  was  well  watered  every¬ 
where,  before  the  Lord  destroyed  Sodom  and 
Gomorrah,  even  as  the  garden  of  the  Lord,  like 


TO  STABT  THE  BAY 


135 


the  land  of  Egypt,  as  thou  comest  unto  Zoar. 
Then  Lot  chose  him  all  the  plain  of  Jordan; 
and  Lot  journeyed  east:  and  they  separated 
themselves  the  one  from  the  other. 

— Genesis  13 : 10, 11. 

TAKE  ME,  O  MY  FATHER,  TAKE  ME 
Take  me,  0  my  Father,  take  me; 

Take  me,  save  me,  through  Thy  Son ; 

That  which  Thou  wouldst  have  me,  make  me, 
Let  Thy  will  in  me  be  done. 

Long  from  Thee  my  footsteps  straying, 

Thorny  proved  the  way  I  trod ; 

Weary  come  I  now,  and  praying, 

Take  me  to  Thy  love,  my  God.” 

September  5. 

The  source  of  spiritual  supply  must  be  within 
the  soul.  Perfect  plumbing  cannot  substi¬ 
tute  for  a  living  spring . 

Whosoever  drinketh  of  this  water  shall  thirst 
again :  but  whosoever  shall  drink  of  the 
water  that  I  shall  give  him  shall  never  thirst; 
but  the  water  that  I  shall  give  him  shall  be  in 
him  a  well  of  water  springing  up  into  everlast¬ 
ing  life.— John  4 : 13, 14. 

I  HEARD  THE  VOICE  OF  JESUS  SAY 
“I  heard  the  voice  of  Jesus  say, 

‘  Come  unto  Me  and  rest ; 

Lay  down,  thou  weary  one,  lay  down 
Thy  head  upon  My  breast.’ 

I  came  to  Jesus  as  I  was, 

Weary  and  worn  and  sad, 

I  found  in  Him  a  resting-place, 

And  He  has  made  me  glad.” 


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TO  START  THE  DAY 


September  6. 

Christianity  pays  taxes  as  well  as  pew  rent . 
A  church  offering  does  not  make  the  payment 
of  our  honest  debts  less  necessary . 

And  Jesus  answering  said  unto  them,  Render 
to  Caesar  the  things  that  are  Caesar’s,  and  to 
God  the  things  that  are  God’s. — Mark  12 : 17. 

ON  OUR  WAY  REJOICING 
“If  with  honest-hearted 
Love  for  God  and  man, 

Day  by  day  Thou  find  us 
Doing  all  we  can, 

Thou  who  giv’st  the  seed-time 
Wilt  give  large  increase, 

Crown  the  head  with  blessings, 

Fill  the  heart  with  peace.  ’  ’ 


September  ?♦ 

Jesus  Christ  calls  business  men  now  to  follow 
Him .  What  if  Matthew  had  stuck  to  his  tax¬ 
gathering? 

And  as  Jesus  passed  forth  from  thence,  he 
saw  a  man,  named  Matthew,  sitting  at  the  re¬ 
ceipt  of  custom :  and  he  saith  unto  him,  Follow 
me.  And  he  arose  and  followed  him. 

— Matthew  9 :  9. 

LORD,  SPEAK  TO  ME 
“0  use  me,  Lord,  use  even  me, 

Just  as  Thou  wilt,  and  when,  and  where ; 
Until  Thy  blessed  face  I  see, 

Tliy  rest,  Thy  joy,  Thy  glory  share.” 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


137 


September  8* 

A  small  rifle-ball  can  destroy  a  dirigible j  an  un¬ 
seen  flaw  may  cause  an  immense  bridge  to 
crash . 

For  whosoever  sliall  keep  the  whole  law,  and 
yet  offend  in  one  point,  he  is  guilty  of  all. 

— J  ames  2 : 10. 

LIKE  A  RIVER  GLORIOUS 
“  Hidden  in  the  hollow  of  His  blessed  hand, 
Never  foe  can  follow,  never  traitor  stand ; 

Not  a  surge  of  worry,  not  a  shade  of  care, 

Not  a  blast  of  hurry  touch  the  spirit  there.’ ’ 


September  9 . 

There  is  nothing  in  life  comparable  with  salva¬ 
tion  and  the  peacef  ul  heart  which  goes  with 
it. 

Again,  the  kingdom  of  heaven  is  like  unto 
treasure  hid  in  a  field;  the  which  when  a  man 
hath  found,  he  hideth,  and  for  joy  thereof  goeth 
and  selleth  all  that  he  hath  and  buyeth  that 
field. — Matthew  13 : 44. 

/  AM  COMING  TO  THE  CROSS 
“Here  I  give  my  all  to  Thee, — 

Friends  and  time  and  earthly  store; 

Soul  and  body  Thine  to  be, 

Wholly  Thine,  for  evermore. 99 


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September  10, 

Sinners  attract  Christ  more  than  saints .  Life 
to  Him  means  discovering  human  need . 

When  Jesus  heard  it,  he  said  unto  them,  They 
that  are  whole  have  no  need  of  the  physician, 
but  they  that  are  sick:  I  came  not  to  call  the 
righteous,  but  sinners  to  repentance. 

— Mark  2 : 17. 

TELL  ME  THE  OLD ,  OLD  STORY 
*  ‘  Tell  me  the  old,  old  story 
Of  unseen  things  above, 

Of  Jesus  and  His  glory, 

Of  Jesus  and  His  love: 

Tell  me  the  story  simply, 

As  to  a  little  child, 

For  I  am  weak  and  weary, 

And  helpless  and  defiled.” 


September  11. 

The  call  of  Christ  must  he  answered  immedi¬ 
ately.  Mark’s  great  word  of  power  is  “  Im¬ 
mediately ” 

And  straightway  he  called  them:  and  they 
left  their  father  Zebedee  in  the  ship  with  the 
hired  servants,  and  went  after  him. 

— Mark  1:20. 

GOD  CALLING  YET! 

“God  calling  yet!  shall  I  not  hear? 

Earth’s  pleasures  shall  I  still  hold  dear? 

Shall  life’s  swift  passing  years  all  fly, 

And  still  my  soul  in  slumbers  lie  ?  ” 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


139 


September  12. 

There  is  no  sorrow  nor  suffering  which  cannot 
he  borne  if  tve  know  the  presence  of  Christ, 
the  Man  of  Sorrows . 

Wherefore  let  them  that  suffer  according  to 
the  will  of  God  commit  the  keeping  of  their 
souls  to  him  in  well  doing,  as  unto  a  faithful 
Creator. — 1  Peter  4 : 19. 

COMB ,  YB  DISCONSOLATB 
“Come,  ye  disconsolate,  where’er  ye  languish, 
Come  to  the  mercy-seat,  fervently  kneel : 

Here  bring  your  wounded  hearts,  here  tell 
your  anguish ; 

Earth  has  no  sorrows  that  heaven  cannot  heal.” 

September  13. 

Mankind  can  never  he  saved  from  sin  hy  a  hu¬ 
man  priest  or  mediator,  hut  only  through 
Jesus  Christ. 

For  there  is  one  God  and  one  mediator  be¬ 
tween  God  and  men,  the  man  Christ  J  esus. 

— 1  Timothy  2 :  5. 

I  AM  PRAYING  FOR  YOU 
“I  have  a  Saviour,  He’s  pleading  in  glory, 

A  dear,  loving  Saviour,  tho  ’  earth-friends  be  few ; 
And  now  He  is  watching  in  tenderness  o  ’er  me, 
And  oh,  that  my  Saviour  were  your  Saviour  too !  ’  ’ 

September  14. 

Childhood  is  the  age  of  divine  teaching . 
Nurses  cannot  substitute  for  mothers. 

And  the  child  grew,  and  waxed  strong  in 


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spirit,  filled  with  wisdom :  and  tlie  grace  of  God 
was  upon  Rim. — Luke  2 : 40. 

I  THINK  WHEN  I  READ 
‘  ‘  I  think  when  I  read  that  sweet  story  of  old, 

When  Jesus  was  here  among  men, 

How  He  called  little  children  as  lambs  to  His 
fold, 

I  should  like  to  have  been  with  them  then. 

“I  long  for  the  joy  of  that  glorious  time, 

The  sweetest  and  brightest  and  best, 

When  the  dear  little  children  of  every  clime 
Shall  crowd  to  His  arms  and  be  blest.  ’  ’ 


September  15, 

If  we  can  touch  Christ  personally  amid  the 
throng  of  life’s  duties  our  lives  will  be  clean . 

And  Jesus,  immediately  knowing  in  himself 
that  virtue  had  gone  out  of  him,  turned  him 
about  in  the  press,  and  said,  Who  touched  my 
clothes? — Mark  5 :  30. 

THE  HEM  OF  HIS  GARMENT 
“She  only  touched  the  hem  of  His  garment 
As  to  His  side  she  stole, 

Amid  the  crowd  that  gathered  around  Him, 

And  straightway  she  was  whole.  ” 


September  \6. 

There  can  be  no  stumbling  or  falling  in  the 
well-lit  path  of  a  Bible  Christian. 

Thy  word  is  a  lamp  unto  my  feet,  and  a  light 
unto  my  path. — Psalm  119 : 105. 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


141 


WALK  IN  THE  LIGHT 
“  Walk  in  the  light :  so  shalt  thou  know 
That  fellowship  of  love 
His  spirit  only  can  bestow, 

Who  reigns  in  light  above.  ’  ’ 


September  17* 

All  true  Christians  are  a  part  of  the  great  spir¬ 
itual  temple  which  is  being  built  by  the  Di¬ 
vine  Architect . 

And  are  built  upon  the  foundation  of  the 
apostles  and  prophets,  Jesus  Christ  himself  be¬ 
ing  the  chief  corner-stone;  in  whom  all  the 
building  fitly  framed  together  groweth  unto  an 
holy  temple  in  the  Lord. — Ephesians  2 : 20-21. 

THE  CHURCH’S  ONE  FOUNDATION 
i  ‘  The  Church ’s  one  foundation 
Is  Jesus  Christ  her  Lord; 

She  is  His  new  creation 
By  water  and  the  word : 

From  heaven  He  came  and  sought  her 
To  bd  His  holy  Bride ; 

With  His  own  blood  He  bought  her, 

And  for  her  life  He  died.” 


September  IS* 

A  forgiven  life  has  a  sense  of  divine  gratitude 
and  is  merciful. 

Blessed  is  he  whose  transgression  is  forgiven, 
whose  sin  is  covered. — Psalm  32:1. 


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TO  START  THE  DAY 


EVEN  ME 

“Love  of  God,  so  pure  and  changeless, 
Blood  of  God,  so  rich  and  free, 

Grace  of  God,  so  strong  and  boundless, 
Magnify  them  all  in  me.” 


September  19. 

Physical  limitation  or  infirmity  cannot  control 
a  righteous  life  where  God  has  entered  in. 

The  Lord  openeth  the  eyes  of  the  blind :  the 
Lord  raiseth  them  that  are  bowed  down:  the 
Lord  loveth  the  righteous. — Psalm  146 :  8. 

MORE  LOVE  TO  THEE 
“More  love  to  Thee,  0  Christ, 

More  love  to  Thee ! 

Hear  Thou  the  prayer  I  make 
On  bended  knee ; 

This  is  my  earnest  plea ; 

More  love,  0  Christ,  to  Thee, 

More  love  to  Thee ! 9  9 


September  20. 

Christian  friends  walk  and  work  together  and 
are  conscious  of  the  presence  of  Christ  with 
them  too. 

But  if  we  walk  in  the  light,  as  he  is  in  the 
light,  we  have  fellowship  one  with  another,  and 
the  blood  of  Jesus  Christ  his  Son  cleanseth  us 
from  all  sin. — 1  John  1 : 7. 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


143 


WHAT  A  FRIEND  WE  HAVE  IN  JESUS 
“Have  we  trials  and  temptations? 

Is  there  trouble  anywhere? 

We  should  never  be  discouraged: 
Take  it  to  the  Lord  in  prayer ! 

Can  we  find  a  friend  so  faithful, 
Who  will  all  our  sorrows  share  ? 

J esus  knows  our  every  weakness — 
Take  it  to  the  Lord  in  prayer !  ’  ’ 


September  21* 

Obedience  leads  to  the  highest  reward  in  gain¬ 
ing  character,  and  gives  the  assurance  of 
entrance  into  eternal  life. 

Blessed  are  they  that  do  his  commandments, 
that  they  may  have  right  to  the  tree  of  life,  and 
may  enter  in  through  the  gates,  into  the  city. 

— Revelation  Jd  i  14. 

TRUST  AND  OBEY 

i  i  Trust  and  obey,  for  there ’s  no  other  way 
To  be  happy  in  Jesus,  but  to  trust  and  obey.” 


September  22* 

The  responsibility  of  the  lost  cannot  be  ours  if 
we  do  our  full  part  to  warn  and  save . 

Yet  if  thou  warn  the  wicked  and  he  turn  not 
from  his  wickedness,  nor  from  his  wicked  way, 
he  shall  die  in  his  iniquity;  but  thou  hast  de¬ 
livered  thy  soul. — Ezekiel  3 : 19. 


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TO  START  THE  DAY 


MUST  I  GO,  AND  EMPTY  HANDED? 

( Chorus ) 

“Must  I  go  and  empty  handed, 

Must  I  meet  my  Saviour  so  ? 

Not  one  soul  with  which  to  greet  Him, 
Must  I  empty  handed  go  V  ’ 


September  23* 

The  soul’s  cry  for  vision  results  not  only  in 
clear  sight  but  in  greater  light. 

Open  thou  mine  eyes,  that  I  may  behold  won¬ 
drous  things  out  of  thy  law. — Psalm  119 : 18. 

WE  WOULD  SEE  JESUS 
“We  wrould  see  Jesus:  this  is  all  we’re  needing;  , 
Strength,  joy  and  willingness  come  with  the  sight, 
We  would  see  Jesus,  dying,  risen,  pleading; 

Then  welcome  day,  and  farewell  mortal  night.” 

September  24* 

The  promises  of  God  myst  never  be  accepted 
without  the  definite  personal  effort  to  keep 
our  own  lives  pure . 

Having  therefore  these  promises,  dearly  be¬ 
loved,  let  us  cleanse  ourselves  from  all  filthi¬ 
ness  of  the  flesh  and  spirit,  perfecting  holiness 
in  the  fear  of  God.— 2  Corinthians  7 : 1. 

MY  HOPE  IS  BUILT  ON  NOTHING  LESS 
‘  ‘  His  oath,  His  covenant,  His  blood 
Support  me  in  the  sinking  flood ; 

When  all  around  my  soul  gives  way, 

He  then  is  all  my  Hope  and  Stay. 

On  Christ,  the  solid  Rock,  I  stand ; 

All  other  ground  is  sinking  sand.” 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


145 


September  25. 

Deep  grief  sends  men  to  their  knees  and  to  God . 

And  the  king  was  much  moved,  and  went  up 
to  the  chamber  over  the  gate,  and  wept :  and  as 
he  went,  thus  he  said,  O  my  son  Absalom,  my 
son,  my  son  Absalom!  would  God  I  had  died 
for  thee,  O  Absalom,  my  son,  my  son ! 

— 2  Samuel  18 : 33. 

COMB ,  YB  DISCONSOLATB 
“Come,  ye  disconsolate,  where’er  ye  languish, 

Come  to  the  mercy-seat,  fervently  kneel : 

Here  bring  your  wounded  hearts,  here  tell  your 
anguish ; 

Earth  hath  no  sorrows  that  heaven  cannot  heal.” 


September  26. 

The  inheritance  of  the  far  vision  of  God’s  saints 
belongs  to  those  who  abide  in  Christ. 

That  Christ  may  dwell  in  your  hearts  by 
faith;  that  ye,  being  rooted  and  grounded  in 
love,  may  be  able  to  comprehend  with  all  saints 
what  is  the  breadth,  and  length,  and  depth,  and 
height;  and  to  know  the  love  of  Christ,  which 
passeth  knowledge,  that  ye  might  be  filled  with 

all  the  fullness  of  God. 

— Ephesians  3 : 17,  18,  19. 

FOR  ALL  THB  SAINTS 
“0  blest  communion,  fellowship  Divine! 

We  feebly  struggle,  they  in  glory  shine; 

Yet  all  are  one  in  Thee,  for  all  are  Thine.” 


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TO  START  THE  DAY 


September  27* 

This  is  perhaps  the  most  generally  used  of  all 
benedictions :  Grace ,  love  and  fellowship 
blend . 

The  grace  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  the 
love  of  God,  and  the  communion  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  be  with  you  all. 

— 2  Corinthians  13 : 14. 

FAIREST  LORD  JESUS 
“Fairest  Lord  Jesus,  Ruler  of  all  nature! 

0  Thou  of  God  and  man  the  Son ! 

Thee  will  I  cherish,  Thee  will  I  honour, 

Thou,  my  soul's  Glory,  Joy,  and  Crown.” 


September  28. 

God  always  knows  where  to  find  His  man . 

And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Take  thee 
Joshua  the  son  of  Nun,  a  man  in  whom  is  the 
spirit,  and  lay  thine  hand  upon  him. 

— Numbers  27 : 18. 

BLESSING  AND  HONOUR 
“Blessing,  and  honour,  and  glory,  and  power, 
"Wisdom,  and  riches,  and  strength  evermore, 

Give  ye  to  Him  who  our  battle  hath  won, 

Whose  are  the  kingdom,  the  crown,  and  the 
throne.  ’ 9 


September  29. 

God’s  choice  of  a  man  is  the  highest  compliment 
of  life.  “  The  Lord  hath  set  apart  him  that 
is  godly  for  Himself 

Blessed  is  the  man  whom  thou  choosest,  and 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


U7 


causest  to  approach  unto  thee,  that  he  may 
dwell  in  thy  courts:  we  shall  be  satisfied  with 
the  goodness  of  thy  house,  even  of  thy  holy 
temple. — Psalm  65 : 4. 

SHALL  YOU f  SHALL  I? 

“Some  one  will  gladly  his  cross  lay  down, 
By-and-by,  by-and-by, 

Faithful,  approved,  shall  receive  a  crown, 
Shall  yon?  Snail  I? 

Some  one  the  glorious  King  will  see, 

Ever  from  sorrow  of  earth  be  free, 

Happy  with  Him  through  eternity : 

Shall  you  ?  Shall  I V  7 

September  3 o. 

Not  length  but  worthiness  of  life  counts  with 
Gocl.  Not  how  long  but  how  we  live . 

So  teach  us  to  number  our  days,  that  we  may 
apply  our  hearts  unto  wisdom. — Psalm  90 : 12. 

JBSUS  LOVES  ME 
“Jesus  loves  me!  this  I  know, 

For  the  Bible  tells  me  so : 

Little  ones  to  Him  belong ; 

They  are  weak,  but  He  is  strong.’ 9 


OCTOBER 


October  l. 

Faith  is  not  our  power  with  God  but  God’s 
power  in  us. 

And  Jesus  looking  upon  tliem  saith,  With, 
men  it  is  impossible,  but  not  with  God :  for  with. 
God  all  things  are  possible. — Mark  10 : 27. 

WE  WOULD  SEE  JESUS 
“We  would  see  Jesus:  other  lights  are  paling, 
Which  for  long  years  we  have  rejoiced  to  see; 
The  blessings  of  our  pilgrimage  are  failing ; 

We  would  not  mourn  them,  for  we  go  to  Thee.” 


©ctober  2 ♦ 

God  looks  into  our  hearts  to  see  our  real  selves. 
Man  looks  in  the  face  hut  God  looks  in  the 
heart. 

For  the  eyes  of  the  Lord  run  to  and  fro 
throughout  the  whole  earth,  to  shew  himself 
strong  in  the  behalf  of  them  whose  heart  is  per¬ 
fect  toward  him.  Herein  thou  hast  done  fool¬ 
ishly  :  therefore  from  henceforth  thou  shalt  have 
wars. — 2  Chronicles  16:9. 

148 


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149 


SOFTLY  NOW  THE  LIGHT  OF  DAY. 
“Thou,  whose  all-pervading  eye, 
Naught  escapes,  without,  within, 
Pardon  each  infirmity, 

Open  fault,  and  secret  sin.” 


October  3* 

The  quality  of  God  which  never  dies  is  His 
mercy .  This  is  the  meaning  of  infinite  love . 

O  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord ;  for  he  is  good ; 
for  his  mercy  endureth  forever. 

— 1  Chronicles  16 : 34. 

GOD  IS  LOVE 

“God  is  love;  His  mercy  brightens 
All  the  path  in  which  we  rove ; 

Bliss  He  wakes,  and  woe  He  lightens  : 

God  is  Wisdom,  God  is  Love.” 


October  4* 

Those  who  spurn  and  reject  the  loving -kindness 
of  God  never  know  the  security  of  divine  care . 

O  Jerusalem,  Jerusalem,  which  killest  the 
prophets,  and  stouest  them  that  are  sent  unto 
thee ;  how  often  would  I  have  gathered  thy  chil¬ 
dren  together,  as  a  hen  doth  gather  her  brood 
under  her  wings,  and  ye  would  not ! 

— Luke  13 : 34. 

UNDER  HIS  WINGS 
“Under  His  wings  I  am  safely  abiding, 

Tho’  the  night  deepens  and  tempests  are  wild, 
Still  I  can  trust  Him ;  I  know  He  will  keep  me ; 
He  has  redeemed  me,  and  I  am  His  child.  ’ 9 


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TO  START  THE  DAY 


October  5* 

God  does  not  tell  us  to  like  every  one,  but  to 
love  every  one  who  is  His  disciple . 

By  this  shall  men  know  that  ye  are  my  dis¬ 
ciples,  if  ye  Rave  love  one  to  another. 

— John  13:35. 

WHEN  THE  WEARY SEEKING  REST 
i  1  When  the  weary,  seeking  rest, 

To  Thy  goodness  flee ; 

When  the  heavy-laden  cast 
All  their  load  on  Thee ; 

When  the  troubled,  seeking  peace, 

On  Thy  Name  shall  call ; 

When  the  sinner,  seeking  life, 

At  Thy  feet  shall  fall : 

Hear  them  in  love,  0  Lord,  the  cry, 

In  heaven  Thy  dwelling-place  on  high.” 


October  6* 

Constant  guard  must  be  kept  if  we  are  to  con¬ 
quer  sin .  When  least  expected  temptation 
comes. 

Watch  and  pray,  that  ye  enter  not  into  temp¬ 
tation  :  the  spirit  indeed  is  willing,  hut  the  flesh 
is  weak. — Matthew  26 :  41. 

HELP  AND  GUIDANCE 

“How  oft  in  the  conflict,  when  pressed  by  the  foe, 

I  have  fled  to  my  Refuge  and  breathed  out  my  woe ; 
How  often  when  trials  like  sea  billows  roll, 

Have  I  hidden  in  Thee,  0  Thou  Rock  of  my  soul. ’ 9 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


151 


October  7* 

The  old  translation  was  “Possess  ye  your 
souls  ”  but  the  verse  means  more  than  that — 
“Ye  shall  win  your  lives.” 

In  your  patience  ye  shall  win  your  lives. 

— Luke  21 : 19. 

NOW  THE  DAY  IS  OVER 
1  ‘Now  the  day  is  over, 

Night  is  drawing  nigh, 

Shadows  of  the  evening 
Steal  across  the  sky.  ’ 3 


October  8. 

A  great  faith  means  victory.  According  to  our 
faith  it  is  unto  us. 

And  his  name  through  faith  in  his  name  hath 
made  this  man  strong,  whom  ye  see  and  know : 
yea,  the  faith  which  is  by  him  hath  given  him 
this  perfect  soundness  in  the  presence  of  you 
all. — -Acts  3 :  1G. 

FAITH  IS  THE  VICTORY 
“Encamped  along  the  hills  of  light, 

Ye  Christian  soldiers  rise, 

And  press  the  battle  ere  the  night 
Shall  veil  the  glowing  skies ; 

Against  the  foe  in  vales  below 
Let  all  onr  strength  be  hurled ; 

Faith  is  the  victory,  we  know, 

That  overcomes  the  world.  ’  * 


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TO  START  THE  DAY 


October  9. 

When  we  suffer  reproach  for  Christ’s  sake ,  we 
bear  His  cross . 

And  they  compel  one  Simon  a  Cyrenian,  who 
passed  by,  coming  out  of  the  country,  the  father 
of  Alexander  and  Rufus,  to  bear  his  cross. 

—Mark  15 : 21. 

JESUS,  I  MY  CROSS  HAVE  TAKEN 
1 ‘Man  may  trouble  and  distress  me, 

’Twill  but  drive  me  to  Thy  breast ; 

Life  with  trials  hard  may  press  me, 
Heaven  will  bring  me  sweeter  rest : 

O  Tis  not  in  grief  to  harm  me 
While  Thy  love  is  left  to  me ; 

O  ’twere  not  in  joy  to  charm  me, 

Were  that  joy  unmixed  with  Thee.” 


0ctober  10* 

Constant  thought  of  Christ  makes  life  a  joy 
everywhere . 

And  whatsoever  ye  do  in  word  or  deed,  do  all 
in  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  giving  thanks 
to  God  and  the  Father  by  him. 

— Colossians  3 :  IT. 

I’VE  FOUND  A  FRIEND 
c ‘I  Ve  found  a  Friend ;  0  such  a  Friend ! 

All  power  to  Him  is  given, 

To  guard  me  on  my  onward  course, 

And  bring  me  safe  to  heaven : 

Eternal  glory  gleams  afar, 

To  nerve  my  faint  endeavour : 

So  now  to  watch,  to  work,  to  war; 

And  then  to  rest  for  ever.  ’  ’ 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


153 


October  U. 

“  The  little  sins  of  great  men  make  the  great 
sins  of  little  men.” 

Wherefore  lay  apart  all  filthiness  and  super¬ 
fluity  of  naughtiness,  and  receive  with  meek¬ 
ness  the  engrafted  word,  which  is  able  to  save 
your  souls. — James  1 : 21. 

FULL  SURRENDER 
“Saviour,  his  a  full  surrender, 

All  I  leave  to  follow  Thee ; 

Thou  my  Leader  and  Defender 
From  this  hour  shall  ever  be. 

“I  surrender  all !  I  surrender  all ! 

All  I  have  I  bring  to  Jesus, 

I  surrender  all  1 ?  ? 


October  12. 

“Patience”  means  power  of  endurance  and 
“  comfort  ”  means  encouragement. 

For  whatsoever  things  were  written  afore¬ 
time  were  written  for  our  learning,  that  we 
through  patience  and  comfort  of  the  scriptures 
might  have  hope. — Romans  15 : 4. 

SINCE  JESUS  CAME  INTO  MY  HEART 
“What  a  wonderful  change  in  my  life  has  been 
wrought 

Since  Jesus  came  into  my  heart; 

I  have  light  in  my  soul  for  which  long  I  had 
sought, 

Since  Jesus  came  into  my  heart. 


154 


TO  STAET  THE  DAY 


‘ 1  Since  Jesus  came  into  my  heart, 
Since  Jesus  came  into  my  heart; 
Floods  of  joy  o’er  my  soul 
Like  the  sea-billows  roll, 

Since  Jesus  came  into  my  heart.” 


October  13* 

He  who  Icnotvs  the  Bible  can  preach  Jesus  from 
every  page . 

Then  Philip  opened  his  month,  and  began  at 
the  same  scripture,  and  preached  unto  him 
Jesus. — -Acts  8 : 35. 

TELL  ME  THE  STORY  OF  JESUS 
“Tell  me  the  story  of  Jesus, 

Write  on  my  heart  every  word; 

Tell  me  the  story  most  precious, 

Sweetest  that  ever  was  heard. 

Tell  how  the  angels,  in  chorus, 

Sang  as  they  welcomed  His  birth, 

‘  Glory  to  God  in  the  highest ! 

Peace  and  good  tidings  to  earth.’ 

“Tell  me  the  story  of  Jesus, 

Write  on  my  heart  every  word ; 

Tell  me  the  story  most  precious, 

Sweetest  that  ever  was  heard.  ’  ’ 


October  14. 

A  joyful  heart  can  sing  anywhere.  Prison 
ivalls  cannot  confine  a  soul  at  peace  with  Gocl. 

And  at  midnight  Paul  and  Silas  prayed,  and 
sang  praises  unto  God :  and  the  prisoners  heard 
them. — Acts  10 : 25. 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


155 


BRIGHTEN  THE  CORNER  WHERE  YOU  ARE 
“Do  not  wait  until  some  deed  of  greatness  you 
may  do, 

Do  not  wait  to  shed  your  light  afar, 

To  the  many  duties  ever  near  you  now  be  true, 
Brighten  the  corner  where  you  are. 

“  Brighten  the  corner  where  you  are! 

Brighten  the  corner  where  you  are ! 

Some  one  far  from  harbour  you  may  guide 
across  the  bar; 

Brighten  the  corner  where  you  are.” 


©closer  15* 

“  Fulfilling  ”  means  filling  full.  Busy  days 
rightly  directed  are  a  great  blessing. 

Take  heed  to  the  ministry  which  thou  hast 
received  in  the  Lord,  that  thou  fulfil  it. 

— Colossians  4 : 17. 

WORK  FOR  THE  NIGHT  IS  COMING 
“Work,  for  the  night  is  coming: 

Work  through  the  morning  hours  ; 

Work  while  the  dew  is  sparkling; 

Work  ’mid  springing  flowers; 

Work  while  the  day  grows  brighter, 

Under  the  glowing  sun ; 

Work,  for  the  night  is  coming, 

When  man ’s  work  is  done.  ’  ’ 


©etcher  16. 

The  completeness  and  resourcefulness  of  Christ 
cannot  be  imagined,  but  His  power  to  com¬ 
plete  man’s  character  is  the  vital  truth. 


156 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


For  in  Rim  dwelleth  all  the  fullness  of  the 
Godhead  bodily,  and  ye  are  complete  in  him. 

— Colossi ans  2 :  9,  10. 

MY  SOUL  COMPLETE  IN  JESUS  STANDS 
“My  soul  complete  in  Jesus  stands! 

It  fears  no  more  the  law’s  demands; 

The  smile  of  God  is  sweet  within, 

Where  all  before  was  guilt  and  sin.” 


October  17. 

The  life  counts  more  than  the  word  or  creed. 

Whenever  Christ’s  life  is  seen  men  have  light. 

In  him  was  life ;  and  the  life  was  the  light  of 
men. — John  1:4. 

light  after  darkness 

“Light  after  darkness, 

Gain  after  loss, 

Strength  after  weakness, 

Crown  after  cross; 

Sweet  after  bitter, 

Hope  after  fears, 

Home  after  wandering, 

Praise  after  tears.” 


©ctober  18 ♦ 

When  we  speak  prompted \  by  God’s  Spirit,  we 
may  never  fear  the  result  nor  be  embarrassed 
at  the  outcome . 

O  Lord,  open  thou  my  lips;  and  my  month 
shall  shew  forth  thy  praise. — Psalm  51 : 15. 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


157 


LORD,  SPEAK  TO  ME 
‘  1 0  fill  me  with  Thy  fullness,  Lord, 

Until  my  very  heart  overflow 
In  kindling  thought  and  glowing  word, 
Thy  love  to  tell,  Thy  praise  to  show. ?  ’ 


©ctobet  19* 

The  denial  of  God  and  of  all  faith  suggests  ab¬ 
normality  of  mind  or  loss  of  character .  It  is 
usually  insincere . 

The  fool  hath  said  in  his  heart,  There  is  no 
God. — Psalm  53 : 1. 

JESUS,  AND  SHALL  IT  EVER  BE 
“  Jesus,  and  shall  it  ever  be, 

A  mortal  man  ashamed  of  Thee  ? 

Ashamed  of  Thee  whom  angels  praise, 

Whose  glories  shine  through  endless  days !  ’ 9 


©ctober  20 ♦ 

The  self-effacement  of  Christ  should  inspire  us 
to  think  of  others  rather  than  self. 

For  consider  in  him  that  endured  such  con¬ 
tradiction  of  sinners  against  himself,  lest  ye  be 
wearied  and  faint  in  your  minds. 

— Hebrews  12 : 3. 

O  THE  BITTER  SHAME  AND  SORROW 
“Day  by  day  His  tender  mercy, 

Healing,  helping,  full  and  free, 

Sweet  and  strong,  and,  ah !  so  patient, 
Brought  me  lower,  while  I  whispered, 

* Less  of  self,  and  more  of  Thee.’  ” 


158 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


October  21. 

What  if  Andrew  had  not  found  his  own  brother , 
Peter,  and  brought  him  to  Jesus  f 

Andrew  first  findetli  his  own  brother  Simon 
.  .  .  and  lie  brought  him  to  Jesus. 

— John  1:41,  42. 

JESUS ,  I  COME 

“Out  of  my  bondage,  sorrow  and  night, 

J  esus,  I  come,  J esus,  I  come ; 

Into  Thy  freedom,  gladness  and  light, 

J  esus,  I  come  to  Thee ; 

Out  of  my  sickness  into  Thy  health, 

Out  of  my  want  and  into  Thy  wealth, 

Out  of  my  sin  and  into  Thyself, 

J  esus,  I  come  to  Thee. 9  9 


October  22. 

We  are  not  safe  anywhere,  any  time,  without 
Christ.  Every  day  and  every  moment  must 
be  guarded. 

Trust  ye  in  the  Lord  forever :  for  in  the  Lord 
Jehovah  is  everlasting  strength. 

— Isaiah  2G :  4. 

TRUSTING  JESUS,  THAT  IS  ALE 
“Simply  trusting  every  day, 

Trusting  through  a  stormy  way ; 

Even  when  my  faith  is  small, 

Trusting  Jesus,  that  is  all. 

“Trusting  as  the  moments  fly, 

Trusting  as  the  days  go  by ; 

Trusting  Him  whate  ?er  befall, 

Trusting  Jesus,  that  is  all.” 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


159 


October  23. 

Every  temptation  has  its  way  of  escape ,  hut  we 
cannot  conquer  if  we  have  an  intvard  wish  to 
yield . 

There  hath  no  temptation  taken  you  but  such 
as  is  common  to  man :  but  God  is  faithful,  who 
will  not  suffer  you  to  be  tempted  above  that 
ye  are  able;  but  will  with  the  temptation  also 
make  a  way  to  escape,  that  ye  may  be  able  to 
bear  it. — 1  Corinthians  10 : 13. 

DIVINE  INSTRUCTOR ,  GRACIOUS  LORD 
“Divine  Instructor,  gracious  Lord, 

Be  Thou  for  ever  near; 

Teach  me  to  love  Thy  sacred  word, 

And  view  my  Saviour  there.” 


©ctobet  24. 

When  we  pour  out  our  very  souls  unto  God  He 
hears  us.  That  is  why  it  is  easier  to  find  Him 
in  sorrow  than  in  joy. 

And  ye  shall  seek  me,  and  find  me,  when  ye 
shall  search  for  me  with  all  your  heart. 

— Jeremiah  29:13. 

HIS  THE  BLESSED  HOUR  OF  PRAYER 
i  ‘  ’Tis  the  blessed  hour  of  prayer, 

When  our  hearts  lowly  bend, 

And  we  gather  to  Jesus, 

Our  Saviour  and  Friend ; 

If  we  come  to  Him  in  faith 
His  protection  to  share, 

What  a  rest  for  the  weary, 

0  how  sweet  to  be  there !  ’  ’ 


160 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


October  25. 

Augustine  said:  “  1  do  not  seek  to  understand 
that  I  mag  believe,  but  to  believe  that  I  may 
understand 

Holding  the  mystery  of  faith  in  a  pure  con¬ 
science. — 1  Timothy  3 :  9. 

SOMETIME  WE'LL  UNDERSTAND. 

“Not  now,  but  in  the  coming  years, 

It  may  be  in  the  better  land, 

We’ll  read  the  meaning  of  our  tears, 

And  there,  sometime,  we’ll  understand. 

‘  ‘  Then  trust  in  God  through  all  thy  days ; 

Fear  not  for  He  doth  hold  thy  hand ; 

Though  dark  thy  way,  still  sing  and  praise; 
Sometime,  sometime,  we  ’ll  understand.  ’  ’ 

October  26 ♦ 

Letting  others  know  in  a  natural  way  that  we 
are  Christians  will  frequently  save  embar¬ 
rassment  and  lead  them  to  Him . 

In  all  thy  ways  acknowledge  him,  and  he 
shall  direct  thy  paths. — Proverbs  3 :  6. 

JESUS,  AND  SHALL  IT  EVER  BE 
“Ashamed  of  Jesus!  yes,  I  may 
When  I Ve  no  guilt  to  wash  away, 

No  tear  to  wipe,  no  good  to  crave, 

No  fears  to  quell,  no  soul  to  save.” 

October  27 ♦ 

“  Tell  me  a  man’s  thoughts  and  I  will  tell  you 
what  he  is.”  If  God’s  thoughts  are  valued , 
there  is  no  fear  for  the  character . 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


161 


How  precious  also  are  thy  thoughts  unto  me, 
O  God!  how  great  is  the  sum  of  them!  If  I 
should  count  them,  they  are  more  in  number 
than  the  sand:  when  I  awake,  I  am  still  with 
thee. — Psalm  139 : 17,  18. 

TAKE  TIME  TO  BE  HOLY, 

1 1  Take  time  to  be  holy, 

Be  calm  in  thy  soul, 

Each  thought  and  each  motive 
Beneath  His  control; 

Thus  led  by  His  Spirit 
To  fountains  of  love, 

Thou  soon  shalt  be  fitted 
For  service  above/ ’ 


October  28 ♦ 

A  devout  Christian  will  not  be  always  under¬ 
stood  for  he  has  the  secret  of  God  and  knows 
the  covenant  between  them. 

The  secret  of  the  Lord  is  with  them  that  fear 
Mm ;  and  he  will  shew  them  his  covenant. 

— Psalm  25 : 14. 

IN  THE  SECRET  OP  HIS  PRESENCE 
“In  the  secret  of  His  presence  how  my  soul  de¬ 
lights  to  hide ! 

Oh,  how  precious  are  the  lessons  which  I  learn 
at  Jesus’  side! 

Earthly  cares  can  never  vex  me,  neither  trials 
lay  me  low ; 

For  when  Satan  comes  to  tempt  me,  to  the 
secret  place  I  go.  ” 


162 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


October  29. 

No  one  is  exempt  from  God’s  love .  His  “  who¬ 
soever”  includes  every  one  who  calls  upon 
Him  in  truth . 

For  whosoever  shall  call  upon  the  name  of 
the  Lord  shall  be  saved. — Romans  10 : 13. 

JUST  AS  I  AM 

“ Just  as  I  am!  Thou  wilt  receive, 

"Wilt  welcome,  pardon,  cleanse,  relieve; 
Because  Thy  promise  I  believe, 

0  Lamb  of  God,  I  come.” 


©ctober  30* 

It  is  sometimes  far  easier  to  feel  and  know  the 
presence  of  God  when  we  are  praying  with 
others  than  when  praying  alone . 

Again  I  say  unto  you,  That  if  two  of  you  shall 
agree  on  earth  as  touching  anything  that  they 
shall  ask,  it  shall  be  done  for  them  of  my  Fa¬ 
ther  which  is  in  heaven.  For  where  two  or 
three  are  gathered  together  in  my  name,  there 
am  I  in  the  midst  of  them. 

— Matthew  18 : 19,  20. 

COMB,  YB  DISCONSOLATB 
“  Joy  of  the  comfortless,  light  of  the  straying, 
Hope  of  the  penitent,  fadeless  and  pure ! 

Here  speaks  the  Comforter,  in  mercy  saying, 

*  Earth  has  no  sorrows  that  heaven  cannot 
cure/  ” 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


163 


©ctober  3L 

Heathendom  thinks  and  teaches  the  hatred  of 
Deity.  Hence  the  awful  images  of  idolatry . 
Christianity  teaches  the  love  of  God. 

For  God  sent  not  his  Son  into  the  world  to 
condemn  the  world ;  but  that  the  world  through 
him  might  be  saved. — J ohn  3 : 17. 

THERE'S  A  WIDENESS  IN  GOD'S  MERCY, 

“ There ’s  a  wideness  in  God’s  mercy, 

Like  the  wideness  of  the  sea ; 

There’s  a  kindness  in  His  justice, 

Which  is  more  than  liberty. 

There  is  welcome  for  the  sinner, 

And  more  graces  for  the  good ; 

There  is  mercy  with  the  Saviour, 

There  is  healing  in  His  blood.” 


MOVEMBER 


IRopember  l. 

Christian  courage  is  the  possession  of  one  who 
is  conscious  of  God’s  presence. 

Wliat  shall  we  then  say  to  these  things?  If 
God  be  for  us,  who  can  be  against  us? 

— Romans  8 : 31. 

THE  SON  OF  GOD  GOES  FORTH  TO  WAR 
‘  ‘  The  Son  of  God  goes  forth  to  war, 

A  kingly  crown  to  gain ; 

His  blood-red  banner  streams  afar : 

Who  follows  in  His  train? 

Who  best  can  drink  His  cup  of  woe, 
Triumphant  over  pain. 

Who  patient  bears  his  cross  below, 

He  follows  in  His  train. 5  * 


IRovember  2. 

He  who  glories  in  the  cross  will  find  himself 
crucified  thereon,  and  self  will  lose  itself  in 
service . 

But  God  forbid  that  I  should  glory,  save  in 
the  cross  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  by  whom 
the  world  is  crucified  unto  me,  and  I  unto  the 
world. — Galatians  6 : 14. 

164 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


165 


ROCK  OF  AGES 
“Nothing  in  my  hand  I  bring, 
Simply  to  Thy  cross  I  cling ; 
Naked,  come  to  Thee  for  dress, 
Helpless,  look  to  Thee  for  grace ; 
Foul,  I  to  the  fountain  fly ; 
Wash  me,  Saviour,  or  I  die.” 


IRopember  3* 

The  heart  and  the  tongue  act  together .  There 
will  be  no  evil-speaking  if  bitterness  is  gone . 

Let  all  bitterness,  and  wrath,  and  anger,  and 
clamour,  and  evil-speaking,  be  put  away  from 
you,  with  all  malice.  And  be  ye  kind  one  to 
another,  tenderhearted,  forgiving  one  another, 
even  as  God  for  Christ’s  sake  hath  forgiven  you. 

— Ephesians  4:31,  32. 

FATHER ,  WHATE’ER  OF  EARTHLY  BLISS 
* ‘  Give  me  a  calm,  a  thankful  heart, 

From  every  murmur  free ; 

The  blessings  of  Thy  grace  impart, 

And  make  me  live  to  Thee.  ’  ’ 


IRopentber  4. 

How  little  we  appreciate  the  meaning  of  “  Sons 
of  God.”  It  means  that  God  actually  looks 
upon  us  as  He  looks  upon  Christ. 

Behold,  what  manner  of  love  the  Father  hath 
bestowed  upon  us,  that  we  should  be  called  the 
Sons  of  God:  therefore  the  world  knoweth  us 
not,  because  it  knew  him  not. — 1  John  3 : 1. 


166 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


VM  NOT  ASHAMED  TO  OWN  MY  LORD 
“I’m  not  ashamed  to  own  my  Lord, 

Or  to  defend  His  cause, 

Maintain  the  honour  of  His  word, 

The  glory  of  His  cross.  ’  ’ 


IRovember  5* 

The  soul’s  vision  that  sees  into  the  eternal  world 
has  a  daily  inspiration,  and  always  advances 
nearer  the  goal . 

Being  confident  of  this  very  thing,  that  he 
which  hath  begun  a  good  work  in  you  will  per¬ 
form  it  until  the  day  of  Jesus  Christ. 

— Philippians  1 :  6. 

WHEN  THE  MISTS  HAVE  ROLLED  AWAY 
“When  the  mists  have  rolled  in  splendour  from 
the  beauty  of  the  hills, 

And  the  sunlight  falls  in  gladness  on  the  river 
and  the  rills : 

We  recall  our  Father’s  promise  in  the  rainbow 
of  the  spray : 

We  shall  know  each  other  better  when  the  mists 
have  rolled  away. 


“We  shall  know  as  we  are  known,  nevermore  to 
walk  alone, 

In  the  dawning  of  the  morning  of  that  bright 
and  happy  day: 

We  shall  know  each  other  better  when  the  mists 
have  rolled  away.” 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


167 


IRovember  6 ♦ 

The  attainment  of  highest  joy  is  seen  in  those 
who  actually  enjoy  and  delight  in  the  sue - 
cesses  of  others . 

Let  nothing  be  done  through  strife  or  vain¬ 
glory  ;  but  in  lowliness  of  mind  let  each  esteem 
other  better  than  themselves. 

— Philippians  2 : 3. 

MY  JESUS ,  I  LOVE  THEE 
“My  Jesus,  I  love  Thee,  I  know  Thou  art  mine, 
For  Thee  all  the  follies  of  sin  I  resign ; 

My  gracious  Redeemer,  my  Saviour  art  Thou, 

If  ever  I  loved  Thee,  my  Jesus,  ’tis  now.” 


IRopember  7* 

Worthy  life,  fruitful  service  and  spiritual  in - 
telligence  go  together . 

That  ye  might  walk  worthy  of  the  Lord  unto 
all  pleasing,  being  fruitful  in  every  good  work, 
and  increasing  in  the  knowledge  of  God. 

— Colossians  1:10. 

SAVIOUR,  THY  DYING  LOVE 
“All  that  I  am  and  have — 

Thy  gifts  so  free — 

Ever  in  joy  or  grief, 

My  Lord,  for  Thee ; 

And  when  Thy  face  I  see, 

My  ransomed  soul  shall  be, 

Through  all  eternity, 

Offered  to  Thee.” 


168 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


IRovember  8* 

The  strong  life  is  the  patient ,  enduring  and  joy¬ 
ful  life . 

Strengthened  with  all  might,  according  to  his 
glorious  power,  unto  all  patience  and  long- 
suffering  with  joyfulness. — Colossians  1:11. 

HOLY  OFFERINGS 
6  6  Holy  offerings,  rich  and  rare, 

Offerings  of  praise  and  prayer, 

Purer  life  and  purpose  high, 

Clasped  hands,  uplifted  eye, 

Lowly  acts  of  adoration 
To  the  God  of  our  salvation — 

On  His  altar  laid  we  leave  them : 

Christ,  present  them! 

God,  receive  them !  ’  ’ 


IRovember  9. 

Love  gives  not  only  gifts  but  time ,  thought  and 
if  needs  be  life  itself . 

So  being  affectionately  desirous  of  you,  we 
were  willing  to  have  imparted  unto  you,  not 
the  gospel  of  God  only,  but  also  our  own  souls, 
because  ye  were  dear  unto  us. 

— 1  Thessalonians  2 :  8. 

PRAISE ,  MY  SOUL,  THE  KING  OF  HEAVEN 
“Praise,  my  soul,  the  King  of  heaven, 

To  His  feet  thy  tribute  bring ; 

Ransomed,  healed,  restored,  forgiven, 

Who,  like  me,  His  praise  should  sing? 

Praise  Him,  praise  Him, 

Praise  the  Everlasting  King.” 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


169 


IRopcmber  10* 

Divine  love  like  the  love  of  the  prodigal’s  fa¬ 
ther  goes  more  than  half  way . 

Draw  nigh  to  God  and  lie  will  draw  nigh  to 
you.  Cleanse  your  hands,  ye  sinners;  and 
purify  your  hearts,  ye  double  minded. 

— James  4 : 8. 

THE  KING  OF  LOVE  MY  SHEPHERD  IS' 

“Perverse  and  foolish  oft  I  strayed, 

But  yet  in  love  He  sought  me, 

And  on  His  shoulder  gently  laid, 

And  home,  rejoicing,  brought  me.” 


1Rox>ember  XU 

“  Boys  flying  kites  haul  in  their  white-winged 
birds. 

You  can’t  do  that  way  when  you’re  flying 
words. 

Tho’ts  unexpressed  may  sometimes  fall  back 
dead , 

But  God  Himself  can’t  kill  them  when  they’re 
said.” 

Even  so  the  tongue  is  a  little  member,  and 
boasteth  great  things.  Behold,  how  great  a 
matter  a  little  fire  kindleth ! 

But  the  tongue  can  no  man  tame;  it  is  an 
unruly  evil,  full  of  deadly  poison. 

— James  3:5,  8. 


170 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


JESUS,  SAVIOUR,  PILOT  MB 
“As  a  mother  stills  her  child, 

Thou  canst  hush  the  ocean  wild ; 

Boisterous  waves  obey  Thy  will 
When  Thou  sayest  to  them,  4  Be  still. 7 
Wondrous  Sovereign  of  the  sea, 

Jesus,  Saviour,  pilot  me.” 

IRovember  12* 

Abiding  in  Christ  requires  constant  thought 
and  effort ,  as  well  as  good  intentions. 

Abide  in  me,  and  I  in  you.  As  the  branch 
cannot  bear  fruit  of  itself,  except  it  abide  in 
the  vine ;  no  more  can  ye,  except  ye  abide  in  me. 

— John  15 :  4. 

SAVIOUR,  MORE  THAN  LIFE  TO  ME 
4  4  Saviour,  more  than  life  to  me, 

I  am  clinging,  clinging,  close  to  Thee; 

Let  Thy  precious  blood  applied, 

Keep  me  ever,  ever,  near  Thy  side. 

“Every  day,  every  hour, 

Let  me  feel  Thy  cleansing  power ; 

May  Thy  tender  love  to  me 

Bind  me  closer,  closer,  Lord  to  Thee.” 

IRopentber  13. 

Many  a  man  who  has  built  well  his  ship  of  life 
has  forgotten  the  helm. 

Behold  also  the  ships,  which  though  they  be 
so  great,  and  are  driven  of  fierce  winds,  yet  are 
they  turned  about  with  a  very  small  helm, 
whithersoever  the  governor  listeth. 

— James  3 : 4. 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


171 


JESUS,  SAVIOUR ,  PILOT  ME 
“Jesus,  Saviour,  pilot  me 
Over  life ’s  tempestuous  sea ; 
Unknown  waves  before  me  roll, 
Hiding  rock  and  treacherous  shoal ; 
Chart  and  compass  came  from  Thee, 
Jesus,  Saviour,  pilot  me.” 


IRovember  14* 

Hearing  and  doing  must  lead  one  into  the  other 
if  there  is  to  he  stability . 

Therefore  whosoever  heareth  these  sayings  of 
mine,  and  doeth  them,  I  will  liken  him  unto  a 
wise  man,  which  built  his  house  upon  a  rock. 

— Matthew  7 : 24. 

A  SHELTER  IN  THE  TIME  OF  STORM 
“The  Lord’s  our  Rock,  in  Him  we  hide, 

A  shelter  in  the  time  of  storm ; 

Secure  whatever  ill  betide, 

A  shelter  in  the  time  of  storm. 

“Oh,  Jesus  is  a  Rock  in  a  weary  land, 

A  weary  land,  a  weary  land ; 

Oh,  Jesus  is  a  Rock  in  a  weary  land, — 

A  shelter  in  the  time  of  storm.  ’  ’ 


IRovember  15* 

Near-sightedness  may  he  a  defect  in  spiritual 
as  well  as  in  physical  vision. 

I  will  lift  up  mine  eyes  unto  the  hills,  from 
whence  cometh  my  help.  My  help  cometh  from 
the  Lord,  which  made  heaven  and  earth. 

— Psalm  121 : 1,  2. 


172 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


WE  WOULD  SEE  JESUS 
“We  would  see  Jesus;  for  the  shadows  lengthen 
Across  this  little  landscape  of  our  life ; 

We  would  see  Jesus,  our  weak  faith  to  strengthen 
For  the  last  weariness,  the  final  strife. ’  ’ 

IRovember  16* 

Generosity  and  thoughtfulness  for  others  se¬ 
cure  friendship  and  devotion . 

Blessed  is  he  that  considereth  the  poor :  the 
Lord  will  deliver  him  in  time  of  trouble. 

— Psalm  41 : 1. 

LEAD  ON ,  O  KING  ETERNAL 
“Lead  on,  0  King  Eternal: 

We  follow,  not  with  fears; 

For  gladness  breaks  like  morning 
Where’er  Thy  face  appears; 

Thy  cross  is  lifted  o  ’er  us ; 

We  journey  in  its  light : 

The  crown  awaits  the  conquest ; 

Lead  on,  0  God  of  might.  ’  ’ 

November  17* 

God’s  power  is  always  present  with  those  who 
serve  and  trust  Him. 

The  Lord  thy  God  in  the  midst  of  thee  is 
mighty;  he  will  save,  he  will  rejoice  over  thee 
with  joy;  he  will  rest  in  his  love,  he  will  joy 
over  thee  with  singing. — Zephaniah  3 : 17. 

MOMENT  BY  MOMENT 
* ‘ Dying  with  Jesus,  by  death  reckoned  mine; 
Living  with  J esus,  a  new  life  divine ; 

Looking  to  Jesus  ’til  glory  doth  shine, 

Moment  by  moment,  O  Lord,  I  am  thine.” 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


173 


IRopember  18* 

'Nothing  makes  life  a  joy  and  ensures  happiness 
like  visiting  and  comforting  the  sick  and  af¬ 
flicted. 

Pure  religion  and  undented  before  God  and 
the  Father  is  this,  To  visit  the  fatherless  and 
widows  in  their  affliction,  and  to  keep  himself 
unspotted  from  the  world. — James  1 :  27. 

O  LOVB  THAT  WILT  NOT  LET  ME  GO 
“0  Joy,  that  seekest  me  through  pain 
I  cannot  close  my  heart  to  Thee ; 

I  trace  the  rainbow  through  the  rain, 

And  feel  the  promise  is  not  vain 
That  morn  shall  tearless  be.  ’  ’ 


IRopember  19* 

W e  may  he  led  into  love  by  the  Author  of  Love . 
Love  begets  love. 

And  the  Lord  direct  your  hearts  into  the  love 
of  God,  and  into  the  patient  waiting  for  Christ. 

— 2  Thessalonians  3 :  5. 

JESUS,  THE  VERY  THOUGHT  OF  THEE 
“  Jesus,  our  only  Joy  be  Thou, 

As  Thou  our  Prize  wilt  be ; 

J esus,  be  Thou  our  Glory  now, 

And  through  eternity.  * 5 

IRopember  20* 

Spreading  cheer  and  gladness  is  the  duty  and 
joy  of  every  Christian. 

Then  they  said  one  to  another,  We  do  not 


174 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


well :  this  day  is  a  day  of  good  tidings,  and  we 
hold  our  peace. — 2  Kings  7 : 9. 

OH  HAPPY  DAY 

‘  ‘  Oh,  happy  day,  that  fixed  my  choice 
On  Thee,  my  Saviour,  and  my  God ! 

Well  may  this  glowing  heart  rejoice, 

And  tell  its  raptures  all  abroad. ?  ? 

IRovember  21. 

Loyalty  to  nation  and  law  is  an  evidence  of 
loyalty  to  God . 

Put  them  in  mind  to  be  subject  to  principali¬ 
ties  and  powers,  to  obey  magistrates,  to  be  ready 
to  every  good  work. — Titus  3 : 1. 

AMERICA  THE  BEAUTIFUL 
“0  beautiful  for  spacious  skies, 

For  amber  waves  of  grain, 

For  purple  mountain  majesties 
Above  the  fruited  plain ! 

America !  America !  God  shed  His  grace  on 
thee, 

And  crown  thy  good  with  brotherhood, 

From  sea  to  shining  sea ! ?  ’ 


IRopember  22. 

Strength,  beauty,  fragrance  and  grace  come 
from  God’s  inward  life,  and  grow  naturally 
anywhere. 

Consider  the  lilies  how  they  grow:  they  toil 
not,  they  spin  not ;  and  yet  I  say  unto  you,  that 
Solomon  in  all  his  glory  was  not  arrayed  like 
one  of  these. — Luke  12 : 27. 


TO  STAKT  THE  DAY 


175 


NEW  EVERY  MORNING 
“If,  on  our  daily  course,  our  mind 
Be  set  to  hallow  all  we  find, 

New  treasures  still,  of  countless  price, 
God  will  provide  for  sacrifice.  ’  ’ 


IRopentber  23* 

An  easy  life  is  not  a  life  of  character .  Strong 
lives  bend  but  do  not  break  in  life’s  storms . 

Thou  therefore  endure  hardness,  as  a  good 
soldier  of  Jesus  Christ. — 2  Timothy  2 :  3. 

AM  1  A  SOLDIER  OF  THE  CROSS? 

‘  ‘  Since  I  must  fight  if  I  would  reign : 
Increase  my  courage,  Lord ; 

1 11  bear  the  toil,  endure  the  pain, 
Supported  by  Thy  word.” 


■filovember  24* 

The  love  and  friendship  of  children  is  a  token 
of  pure  and  happy  life . 

Take  heed  that  ye  despise  not  one  of  these 
little  ones ;  for  I  say  unto  you,  That  in  heaven 
their  angels  do  always  behold  the  face  of  my 
Father  which  is  in  heaven. — Matthew  18 : 10. 

I  THINK  WHEN  I  READ 
“I  wish  that  His  hands  had  been  placed  on  my 
head, 

That  His  arm  had  been  thrown  around  me, 

And  that  I  might  have  seen  His  kind  look  when 
He  said, 

4  Let  the  little  ones  come  unto  Me.  ’  ’  ’ 


176 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


IRovember  25* 

The  Holy  Spirit  calls  to  our  memory  the  words 
and  thoughts  of  Jesus  Christ  whenever  we 
need  Him, 

But  the  Comforter,  which  is  the  Holy  Ghost, 
whom  the  Father  will  send  in  my  name,  he  shall 
teach  you  all  things,  and  bring  all  things  to 
your  remembrance,  whatsoever  I  have  said  unto 
you. — John  14 : 26. 


COMB,  HOLY  SPIRIT 
“Come,  Holy  Spirit,  heavenly  Dove, 
With  all  Thy  quickening  powers 
Kindle  a  flame  of  sacred  love 
In  these  cold  hearts  of  ours.” 


IRovember  26* 

Maltbie  Babcock  used  to  say ,  “  Have  three  hun¬ 
dred  and  sixty-four  thanksgiving  days  and 
one  day  for  complaint  (if  necessary)  ” 

Praise  ye  the  Lord.  Praise  the  Lord,  O  my 
soul.  While  I  live  will  I  praise  the  Lord:  I 
will  sing  praises  unto  my  God  while  I  have  any 
being. — Psalm  146 : 1,  2. 

PRAISE  TO  GOD 
“Praise  to  God,  immortal  praise, 

For  the  love  that  crowns  our  days : 
Bounteous  Source  of  every  joy, 

Let  Thy  praise  our  tongues  employ. ” 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


177 


November  27. 

All  nature  praises  God.  Thanksgiving  Day 
should  make  every  day  happy  and  joyful . 

Let  everything  that  hath  breath  praise  the 
Lord.  Praise  ye  the  Lord. — Psalm  150 :  6. 

COMB,  YB  THANKFUL  PBOPLB 
<  ‘  All  the  world  is  God ’s  own  field, 

Fruit  unto  His  praise  to  yield ; 

Wheat  and  tares  together  sown, 

Unto  joy  or  sorrow  grown : 

First  the  blade,  and  then  the  ear, 

Then  the  full  corn  shall  appear : 

Lord  of  harvest,  grant  that  we 
Wholesome  grain  and  pure  may  be.” 

IRopember  2S. 

Every  day  victory  may  he  ours  if  our  souls  have 
the  well-spring  loithin. 

For  which  cause  we  faint  not;  but  though 
our  outward  man  perish,  yet  the  inward  man  is 
renewed  day  by  day. — 2  Corinthians  4 : 16. 

Plow  GBNTLB  GOD'S  COMMANDS 
“How  gentle  God’s  commands, 

How  kind  His  precepts  are ! 

Come,  cast  your  burdens  on  the  Lord, 

And  trust  His  constant  care.” 

TRovember  29. 

Knowing  Christ  surpasses  knowing  about 
Christ  as  much  as  character  surpasses  edu¬ 
cation. 

That  I  may  know  him,  and  the  power  of  his 


178 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


resurrection,  and  the  fellowship  of  his  suffer¬ 
ings,  being  made  conformable  unto  his  death. 

— Philippians  3 : 10. 

HERB,  0  MY  LORD 

6 c Here,  O  my  Lord,  I  see  Thee  face  to  face; 

Here  would  I  touch  and  handle  things  unseen, 
Here  grasp  with  firmer  hand  the  eternal  grace, 
And  all  my  weariness  upon  Thee  lean.” 


1Ro\>ember  30* 

The  last  command  of  Jesus  Christ  gave  us  the 
challenge  of  a  world  conquest . 

Go  ye  therefore  and  teach  all  nations,  baptiz¬ 
ing  them  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the 
Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost. — Matthew  28:19. 

FROM  GREENLAND’S  ICY  MOUNTAINS 
‘ 1  From  Greenland ’s  icy  mountains, 

From  India’s  coral  strand, 

Where  Af ric ’s  sunny  fountains 
Roll  down  their  golden  sand, 

From  many  an  ancient  river, 

From  many  a  palmy  plain, 

They  call  us  to  deliver 
Their  land  from  error’s  chain.” 


DECEMBER 


December  X* 

Christ  is  calling  the  world  to  repentance  to-day . 
The  world  needs  more  than  all  else  a  revival 
of  God’s  Spirit. 

Then  Peter  said  unto  them,  Repent,  and  be 
baptized  every  one  of  you  in  the  name  of  Jesus 
Christ  for  the  remission  of  sins,  and  ye  shall 
receive  the  gift  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

— Acts  3 : 38. 

THERE  SHALL  BE  SHOWERS  OF  BLESSING 
1 1  t  There  shall  be  showers  of  blessing :  ’ 

This  is  the  promise  of  love ; 

There  shall  be  seasons  refreshing, 

Sent  from  the  Saviour  above. 

“  Showers,  showers  of  blessing, 

Showers  of  blessing  we  need: 

Mercy-drops  round  us  are  falling, 

But  for  the  showers  we  plead.’ ’ 


December  2. 

There  is  work  to  do  for  the  Master  at  our  very 
doors . 

Say  not  ye,  There  are  yet  four  months,  and 
then  cometh  harvest?  behold,  I  say  unto  you, 
Lift  up  your  eyes,  and  look  on  the  fields;  for 
they  are  white  already  to  harvest. — John  4 : 35. 

179 


180 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


HARK!  THE  VOICE  OF  JESUS  CRYING, 
“If  yon  cannot  cross  the  ocean, 

And  the  heathen  lands  explore, 

You  can  find  the  heathen  nearer, 

You  can  help  them  at  your  door. 

If  you  cannot  give  your  thousands, 
You  can  give  the  widow’s  mite; 

And  the  least  you  give  for  Jesus 
Will  be  precious  in  His  sight.” 


December  3* 

Confidence  in  Christ  as  Saviour  and  Lord  dis¬ 
pels  doubt  and  compels  others  to  follow  Him . 

I  know  whom  I  have  believed,  and  am  per¬ 
suaded  that  he  is  able  to  keep  that  which  I  have 
committed  unto  him  against  that  day. 

— 2  Timothy  1 : 12. 

7  KNOW  WHOM  I  HAVE  BELIEVED 
“I  know  not  why  God’s  wondrous  grace 
To  me  He  hath  made  known. 

Nor  why — unworthy — Christ  in  love 
Redeemed  me  for  His  own. 

( Chorus) 

‘  ‘  But  I  know  whom  I  have  believed, 

And  am  persuaded  that  He  is  able 
To  keep  that  which  I ’ve  committed 
Unto  Him  against  that  day.” 


December  4. 

Cod  calls  many  of  His  most  valued  workers 
from  the  unknown  multitudes . 

And  the  Lord  said  unto  the  servant,  Go  out 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


181 


into  the  highways  and  hedges,  and  compel  them 
to  come  in,  that  my  house  may  be  filled. 

— Luke  14 : 23. 

HARK!  THE  VOICE  OF  JESUS  CRYING 
“Let  none  hear  you  idly  saying, 

6  There  is  nothing  I  can  do, J 
While  the  souls  of  men  are  dying, 

And  the  Master  calls  for  you : 

Take  the  task  He  gives  you  gladly, 

Let  His  work  your  pleasure  be ; 

Answer  quickly  when  He  calleth, 

‘  Here  am  I ;  send  me,  send  me.  ’  9  ’ 


December  5. 

Affliction  has  brought  many  a  man  to  God . 
Only  storms  create  rainbows .  The  sun  must 
shine  through  the  rain . 

And  when  he  was  in  affliction,  he  besought 
the  Lord  his  God,  and  humbled  himself  greatly 
before  the  God  of  his  fathers. 

— 2  Chronicles  33 : 12. 

JUST  AS  I  AM 

“Just  as  I  am,  without  one  plea 
But  that  Thy  blood  was  shed  for  me, 

And  that  Thou  bidd  ’st  me  come  to  Thee, 

0  Lamb  of  God,  I  come.” 

December  6. 

He  who  leaves  wealth  to  his  child,  without  leav¬ 
ing  character,  probably  leaves  him  perplexity 
and  suffering . 

And  a  good  man  leaveth  an  inheritance  to  his 


182 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


children’s  children :  and  the  wealth  of  the  sinner 
is  laid  up  for  the  just. — Proverbs  13 : 22. 

I  LOVE  TO  TELL  THE  STORY, 

“I  love  to  tell  the  story; 

More  wonderful  it  seems 
Than  all  the  golden  fancies 
Of  all  our  golden  dreams. 

I  love  to  tell  the  story, 

It  did  so  much  for  me ; 

And  that  is  just  the  reason 
I  tell  it  now  to  thee. 9  9 


December  7* 

God’s  sons  are  men  ivho  overcome.  Infinite  in¬ 
heritance  is  based  upon  victory  over  tempta¬ 
tion . 

He  that  overcometh  shall  inherit  all  things; 
and  I  will  he  his  God,  and  he  shall  be  my  son. 

— Revelation  21 :  7. 

EIGHT  THE  GOOD  FIGHT 
1  ‘Paint  not,  nor  fear,  His  arms  are  near; 

He  changeth  not,  and  thou  art  dear ; 

Only  believe,  and  thou  shalt  see 
That  Christ  is  All  in  all  to  thee.” 


December  8* 

A  man  cannot  fall  if  he  depends  immediately 
upon  J esus  Christ  when  tempted. 

Now  thanks  be  unto  God,  which  always 
causeth  us  to  triumph  in  *  Christ,  and  maketh 
manifest  the  savour  of  his  knowledge  by  us  in 
every  place. — 2  Corinthians  2 : 14. 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


183 


AM  I  A  SOLDIER  OF  THE  CROSS ? 
4 4  Thy  saints,  in  all  this  glorious  war, 
Shall  conquer,  though  they  die; 
They  view  the  triumph  from  afar, 
And  seize  it  with  their  eye.  ’  ’ 


December  9* 

Sin’s  pleasures  are  short-lived.  The  average 
age  of  a  criminal  is  under  twenty-one ,  of  a 
harlot  under  twenty . 

Choosing  rather  to  suffer  affliction  with  the 
people  of  God,  than  to  enjoy  the  pleasures  of  sin 
for  a  season. — Hebrews  11 : 25. 

IN  THE  HOUR  OF  TRIAL 
44  With  its  witching  pleasures 
Would  this  vain  world  charm, 

Or  its  sordid  treasures 
Spread  to  work  me  harm, 

Bring  to  my  remembrance 
Sad  Gethsemane, 

Or,  in  darker  semblance, 

Cross-crowned  Calvary.” 


December  10. 

All  that  any  one  has  to  do  to  he  saved  is  to  be¬ 
lieve  and  confess  Christ. 

That  if  thou  shalt  confess  with  thy  mouth  the 
Lord  Jesus,  and  shalt  believe  in  thine  heart 
that  God  hath  raised  him  from  the  dead,  thou 
shalt  be  saved. — Romans  10 : 9. 


184 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


THROW  OUT  THE  LIFE  LINE 
‘  ‘  Throw  out  the  Life-Line  across  the  dark  wave, 
There  is  a  brother  whom  some  one  should  save ; 
Somebody’s  brother!  oh,  who  then,  will  dare 
To  throw  out  the  Life-Line,  his  peril  to  share  ?  ’ 7 


December  !!♦ 

What  a  benediction!  If  you  do  not  know  how 
to  close  a  letter  to  a  friend ,  use  these  verses . 

Now  the  God  of  peace  that  brought  again 
from  the  dead  our  Lord  Jesus,  that  great  shep¬ 
herd  of  the  sheep,  through  the  blood  of  the 
everlasting  covenant,  make  you  perfect  in  every 
good  work  to  do  his  will,  working  in  you  that 
which  is  well-pleasing  in  his  sight,  through 
Jesus  Christ;  to  whom  be  glory  for  ever  and 
ever. — Hebrews  13 :  20,  21. 

COME ,  LET  US  JOIN  OUR  CHEERFUL  SONGS 
“Come,  let  us  join  our  cheerful  songs 
With  angels  round  the  throne, 

Ten  thousand  thousand  are  tlieir  tongues, 

But  all  their  joys  are  one.” 


December  12* 

One  may  ignore  or  even  hate  Christ ,  but  he 
cannot  destroy  Christ’s  love  for  him . 

But  God  commendeth  his  love  toward  us,  in 
that,  while  we  were  yet  sinners,  Christ  died  for 
us. — Romans  5 :  8. 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


185 


LOVE  DIVINE 

“Love  Divine,  all  loves  excelling, 

Joy  of  heaven,  to  earth  come  down: 
Fix  in  ns  Thy  hnmble  dwelling, 

All  Thy  faithful  mercies  crown: 
Jesus,  Thou  art  all  compassion, 

Pure,  unbounded  love  Thou  art; 
Visit  us  with  Thy  salvation, 

Enter  every  trembling  heart.’ 9 


December  13* 

Sin  is  sure  pay,  but  that  payment  is  anguish 
and  death .  Salvation  is  a  gift. 

For  the  wages  of  sin  is  death ;  but  the  gift  of 
God  is  eternal  life  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord. — Romans  6:23. 

O  HOLY  SAVIOUR ,  FRIEND  UNSEEN 
i  1 0  Holy  Saviour,  Friend  unseen, 

Since  on  Thine  arm  Thou  bidd  ’st  me  lean, 
Help  me,  throughout  life ’s  varying  scene, 

By  faith  to  cling  to  Thee. 5  9 


December  14* 

God’s  “  it  is  ”  has  fact  in  it.  The  Gospel  is  the 
power  of  God. 

For  I  am  not  ashamed  of  the  gospel  of  Christ : 
for  it  is  the  power  of  God  unto  salvation  to 
every  one  that  believeth;  to  the  Jew  first,  and 
also  to  the  Greek. — Romans  1 : 16. 


186 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


LOVE  DIVINE 
“Come,  Almighty  to  deliver, 

Let  us  all  Thy  life  receive ; 

Suddenly  return,  and  never, 

Never  more  Thy  temples  leave. 

Thee  we  would  be  always  blessing, 

Serve  Thee  as  Thy  hosts  above, 

Pray,  and  praise  Thee,  without  ceasing, 
Glory  in  Thy  perfect  love.  ’  ’ 

December  15. 

A  man’s  benevolence  is  not  worthy  of  God  if  he 
fails  to  pay  his  taxes. 

And  lie  said  unto  them,  Render  therefore  unto 
Caesar  the  things  which  be  Caesar’s,  and  unto 
God  the  things  which  be  God’s. — Luke  20 :  25. 

FAITH  OF  OUR  FATHERS! 

“Faith  of  our  fathers!  we  will  love 
Both  friend  and  foe  in  all  our  strife, 

And  preach  thee,  too,  as  love  knows  how 
By  kindly  words  and  virtuous  life : 

Faith  of  our  fathers,  holy  faith ! 

We  will  be  true  to  thee  till  death.” 

December  16* 

Whenever  we  see  another  in  need  we  should 
realize  Christ  is  in  need. 

Then  shall  the  Xing  say  unto  them  on  his 
right  hand,  Come,  ye  blessed  of  my  Father,  in¬ 
herit  the  kingdom  prepared  for  you  from  the 
foundation  of  the  world :  For  I  was  an 
hungered,  and  ye  gave  me  meat :  I  was  thirsty, 
and  ye  gave  me  drink :  I  was  a  stranger,  and  ye 
took  me  in:  naked,  and  ye  clothed  me:  I  was 


TO  STAKT  THE  DAY 


187 


sick,  and  ye  visited  me :  I  was  in  prison,  and  ye 
came  unto  me. — Matthew  25 : 34,  35,  36. 

WAS  THERE  EVER  KINDEST  SHEPHERD 
i  ‘  For  the  love  of  God  is  broader 
Than  the  measures  of  man’s  mind, 

And  the  heart  of  the  Eternal 
Is  most  wonderfully  kind : 

But  we  make  His  love  too  narrow 
By  false  limits  of  our  own, 

And  we  magnify  His  strictness 
With  a  zeal  He  will  not  own.” 


December  17* 

“  His  strength  was  as  the  strength  of  ten  be¬ 
cause  his  heart  was  pure  ” 

Lay  hands  suddenly  on  no  man,  neither  be 
partaker  of  other  men’s  sins :  keep  thyself  pure. 

— 1  Timothy  5 :  22. 

THE  SANDS  OF  TIME  ARE  SINKING 
‘  ‘  0  Christ,  He  is  the  Fountain, 

The  deep  sweet  Well  of  love! 

The  streams  on  earth  I ’ve  tasted 
More  deep  I  ’ll  drink  above : 

There  to  an  ocean  fulness 
His  mercy  doth  expand, 

And  glory,  glory  dwelleth 
In  Emanuel’s  land.” 


December  IB* 

With  a  new  heart  and  a  new  spirit  we  may  for¬ 
get  the  past  and  live  anew. 

A  new  heart  also  will  I  give  you,  and  a  new 
spirit  will  I  put  within  you:  and  I  will  take 


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away  the  stony  heart  out  of  your  flesh,  and  I 
will  give  you  an  heart  of  flesh. 

— Ezekiel  36 : 26. 

WHEN  THE  DAY  Of  TOIL  IS  DONE 
i  ‘  When  for  vanished  days  we  yearn, 

Days  that  never  can  return, 

Teach  us  in  Thy  love  to  learn 
Love  for  evermore.” 

December  19* 

God’s  greatest  value  is  shown  in  the  word 
“  overcome  ”  and  faith  attains  victory . 

For  whatsoever  is  born  of  God  overcometh  the 
world :  and  this  is  the  victory  that  overcometh 
the  world,  even  our  faith. — 1  John  5 :  4. 

LEAD  ON,  O  KING  ETERNAL 
“Lead  on,  0  King  Eternal, 

Till  sin ’s  fierce  war  shall  cease, 

And  Holiness  shall  whisper 
The  sweet  Amen  of  peace ; 

For  not  with  swords  loud  clashing, 

Nor  roll  of  stirring  drums, 

But  deeds  of  love  and  mercy, 

The  heavenly  kingdom  comes.” 

December  20* 

A  righteous  man  has  no  fear  of  detection ;  he 
can  look  any  man  in  the  eye.  A  noted  crim¬ 
inal  fled  to  Canada  when  a  detective  wired 
him  “  All  is  known.” 

The  wicked  flee  when  no  man  pursueth :  but 
the  righteous  are  bold  as  a  lion, 
v  — Proverbs  28 : 1. 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


189 


ONWARD ,  CHRISTIAN  SOLDIERS 
‘ 4  Onward,  Christian  soldiers, 
Marching  as  to  war, 

With  the  cross  of  Jesus 
Going  on  before : 

Christ  the  Royal  Master 
Leads  against  the  foe ; 
Forward  into  battle, 

See,  His  banners  go. 

4 'Onward,  Christian  soldiers, 
Marching  as  to  war, 

With  the  cross  of  Jesus 
Going  on  before. 7  7 


December  21. 

Companionship  with  Christ  gives  a  man  the 
burning  heart  of  divine  love . 

And  they  said  one  to  another,  Did  not  our 
heart  burn  within  us,  while  he  talked  with  us 
by  the  way,  and  while  he  opened  to  us  the  scrip¬ 
tures? — Luke  24 :  32. 

MAJESTIC  SWEETNESS 
i  1  Majestic  sweetness  sits  enthroned 
Upon  the  Saviour’s  brow; 

His  head  with  radiant  glories  crowned, 

His  lips  with  grace  o  ’erflow. 7  7 


December  22* 

Maltbie  Babcock  said 9  “  A  day’s  work  that  a 
night’s  rest  will  not  renew  is  over-work  ” 

The  sleep  of  a  labouring  man  is  sweet, 


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whether  he  eat  little  or  much:  but  the  abun¬ 
dance  of  the  rich  will  not  suffer  him  to  sleep. 

— Ecclesiastes  5 : 12. 

O  JESUS ,  I  HAVE  CALLED  THEE 
i  1 1  need  a  friend  who  knows  me 
So  justly  through  and  through 
Hell  ne’er  misjudge  a  motive, 

Nor  let  me  strain  to  do 
More  work  than  I  can  manage, 

The  work  that  is  not  mine, 

Because  of  vain  ambition, 

Or  conscience  drawn  too  fine.” 


December  23. 

It  is  easier  to  tveep  with  the  sad  than  to  rejoice 
with  the  fortunate . 

Rejoice  with  them  that  do  rejoice,  and  weep 
with  them  that  weep. — Romans  12:15. 

HOW  SWEET  THE  NAME  OF  JESUS  SOUNDS 
“  Jesus,  my  Shepherd,  Brother,  Friend, 

My  Prophet,  Priest,  and  King, 

My  Lord,  my  Life,  my  Way,  my  End, 
Accept  the  praise  I  bring.  ’  ’ 


December  24. 

Faithful  watching  over  those  who  are  our  care 
signals  God’s  chorus  of  gladness. 

And  there  were  in  the  same  country  shep¬ 
herds  abiding  in  the  field,  keeping  watch  over 
their  flock  by  night.  And,  lo,  the  angel  of  the 
Lord  came  upon  them,  and  the  glory  of  the  Lord 
shone  round  about  them. — Luke  2:8,  9. 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


191 


O  LITTLE  TOWN  OF  BETHLEHEM 
“0  little  town  of  Bethlehem, 

How  still  we  see  thee  lie; 

Above  thy  deep  and  dreamless  sleep 
The  silent  stars  go  by : 

Yet  in  thy  dark  streets  shineth 
The  everlasting  Light ; 

The  hopes  and  fears  of  all  the  years 
Are  met  in  thee  to-night.” 


December  25. 

The  Christmas  song  of  the  angels  was  a  world - 
wide  song .  “  J oy  to  the  world  ” 

And  the  angel  said  unto  them,  Fear  not :  for, 
behold,  I  bring  yon  good  tidings  of  great  joy, 
which  shall  be  to  all  people.  For  unto  you  is 
born  this  day  in  the  city  of  David  a  Saviour, 
which  is  Christ  the  Lord. — Luke  2 : 10, 11. 

O  LITTLE  TOWN  OF  BETHLEHEM 
i  1  For  Christ  is  born  of  Mary ; 

And  gathered  all  above, 

While  mortals  sleep,  the  angels  keep 
Their  watch  of  wondering  love. 

O  morning  stars,  together 
Proclaim  the  holy  birth ; 

And  praises  sing  to  God  the  King, 

And  peace  to  men  on  earth.” 


December  26 . 

To  return  to  ordinary  tasks  with  continued  joy 
is  a  great  "blessing  of  the  Christmas  season. 

And  the  shepherds  returned,  glorifying  and 


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praising  God  for  all  tlie  things  that  they  had 
heard  and  seen,  as  it  was  told  unto  them. 

— Luke  2 : 20. 

IT  CAME  UPON  THE  MIDNIGHT  CLEAR 
“ And  ye,  beneath  life’s  crushing  load, 

Whose  forms  are  bending  low, 

Who  toil  along  the  climbing  way 
With  painful  steps  and  slow, — 

Look  now !  for  glad  and  golden  hours 
Come  swiftly  on  the  wing: 

O  rest  beside  the  weary  road, 

And  hear  the  angels  sing.  ’  ’ 

December  27. 

A  prayerful  life  is  never  destitute  of  resources 
of  strength  for  self  or  others. 

And  he  spake  a  parable  unto  them  to  this  end, 
that  men  ought  always  to  pray  and  not  to  faint. 

— Luke  18 : 1. 

SWEET  HOUR  OF  PRAYER 
“  Sweet  hour  of  prayer,  sweet  hour  of  prayer  ! 
That  calls  me  from  this  world  of  care, 

And  bids  me  at  my  Father’s  throne, 

Make  all  my  wants  and  wishes  known. 9  9 

December  28. 

Our  day  is  one  of  unrivaled  opportunity.  To¬ 
day  is  majestic  if  we  are  working  for  eternity. 

And  I  saw  the  dead,  small  and  great,  stand 
before  God;  and  the  books  were  opened:  and 
another  book  was  opened,  which  is  the  book  of 
life:  and  the  dead  were  judged  out  of  those 
things  which  were  written  in  the  books,  accord¬ 
ing  to  their  words. — Revelation  20 : 12. 


TO  START  THE  DAY 


193 


WE  ARE  LIVING ,  WE  ARE  DWELLING 
“Worlds  are  charging,  heaven  beholding, 
Thon  hast  but  an  hour  to  fight ; 

Now  the  blazoned  cross  unfolding, 

On,  right  onward,  for  the  right ! 

On !  let  all  the  soul  within  you 
For  the  truth’s  sake  go  abroad. 

Strike,  let  every  nerve  and  sinew 
Tell  on  ages,  tell  for  God.  ’ 9 

December  29* 

Hatred  cannot  live  where  J esus  Christ  lives . 

And  this  is  his  commandment,  That  we  should 
believe  on  the  name  of  his  Son  Jesus  Christ, 
and  love  one  another,  as  he  gave  us  command¬ 
ment. — 1  John  3 : 23. 

NEARER ,  MY  GOD,  TO  THEE 
“Nearer,  my  God,  to  Thee, 

Nearer  to  Thee ! 

E  ’en  though  it  be  a  cross 
That  raiseth  me ; 

Still  all  my  song  shall  be, 

Nearer,  my  God,  to  Thee, 

Nearer,  my  God,  to  Thee, 

Nearer  to  Thee!” 

December  30* 

Death  is  blessedness  to  those  who  have  died  in 
faith ,  and  their  good  works  never  die. 

And  I  heard  a  voice  from  heaven  saying  unto 
me,  Write,  Blessed  are  the  dead  which  die  in 
the  Lord  from  henceforth :  Yea,  saith  the  Spirit, 
that  they  may  rest  from  their  labours ;  and  their 
works  do  follow  them. — Revelation  14 : 13. 


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TO  START  THE  DAY 


NEARER ,  MY  GOD ,  TO  THEE 
“Or  if  on  joyful  wing 
Cleaving  the  sky, 

Sun,  moon,  and  stars  forgot, 
Upwards  I  fly, 

Still  all  my  song  shall  be, 
Nearer  my  God,  to  Thee, 
Nearer  my  God,  to  Thee, 
Nearer  to  Thee ! 9  9 


December  31* 

The  Old  year  opens  the  door  to  the  New.  “Eye 
hath  not  seen,  nor  ear  heard,  neither  hath 
entered  into  the  heart  of  man  the  things 
which  God  hath  prepared  for  them  that  love 
Him ” 

And  there  shall  be  no  more  curse:  but  the 
throne  of  God  and  of  the  Lamb  shall  be  in  it; 
and  his  servants  shall  serve  him :  and  they  shall 
see  his  face;  and  his  name  shall  be  in  their 
foreheads. — Revelation  22 . 3,  4. 

RING  OUT,  WILD  BELLS 
“Ring  out,  wild  bells,  to  the  wild  sky, 

The  flying  cloud,  the  frosty  light  : 

The  year  is  dying  in  the  night ; 

Ring  out,  wild  bells,  and  let  him  die. 

“Ring  in  the  valiant  man  and  free, 

The  larger  heart,  the  kindlier  hand ; 

Ring  out  the  darkness  of  the  land, 

Ring  in  the  Christ  that  is  to  be.” 


Printed  in  the  United  States  of  America 


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